Tourist arrivals grew by 20.5 percent in May compared to the same month in 2007, to reach 131,354, the NSO said today.

It said there were more arrivals from the British, German and Spanish markets, while tourists coming from the USA, Russia and Switzerland registered decreases.

Just over 87.3 percent of inbound tourists in May came to Malta on holiday.

Meanwhile, tourist nights spent increased by 16.8 percent when compared to May 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and collective accommodation increased by 9.0 and 19.0 percent respectively. Overall, the average length of stay was calculated at 7.3 nights, shorter by 0.2 nights when compared to May 2007.

The NSO said tourist arrivals between January and May reached 447,935, an increase of 16.5 percent over the corresponding period a year ago.

Growth was mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the Libyan, Swiss and American markets.

Total nights spent increased by 6.3 percent

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure was estimated at €695, down by 14.0 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year. Total spending by tourists rose to €306.3 million, an increase of 0.7 percent over the same period in 2007.