Robust growth in tourism has been reported by established destinations in western Europe including Malta, Greece, Portugal and Spain, according to the World Tourism Barometer for January to October, which has just been published.

It noted that Europe was the most visited region in the world this year with a four per cent increase in international tourist arrivals through October, with strong results in northern Europe and in southern Mediterranean Europe (both +seven per cent).

International tourism grew at a more modest pace in western Europe (+two per cent) and was stagnant in central and eastern Europe, in stark contrast with the last three years, during which arrivals grew at an average of eight per cent a year.

In a statement, the Tourism Ministry welcomed the barometer’s acknowledgement of Malta’s success in the sector and said that during the period there Malta saw more arrivals that the average seven per cent with an 8.4 per cent growth.