Outbound tourism in February went up by 7.2% when compared to the previous year, reaching an estimated 19,424 trips. Same-day visitors totalled 687.

February 2012

The number of outbound tourist trips towards EU countries was estimated at 16,744, while a further 2,680 trips headed towards non-EU destinations. The two markets registered increases of six and 18% respectively. Italy and the UK remained the most popular destinations among residents of Malta and between them accounted for 62% of the total tourism markets.

Male tourists did 60% of outbound tourist trips during February; equivalent to an estimated 11,747 trips. Most outbound tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (7,460), and were followed by the 45-64 age group (6,467).

Out of 20,112 visitor trips, the number of same-day visitors was estimated at 687 – which is nearly half the number registered last year.

January-February 2012

Outbound passengers in the first two months this year stood at 38,797, at par with the estimate for 2011. An estimated 86% of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations, with UK and Italy ranking as the most popular destinations. The number of trips to non-EU destinations went down by 3% when compared to last year and stood at 5,426.

During this two-month period, male tourists outnumbered females, accounting for 60% of the total. Trips were mostly carried out by tourists in the 25-44 age bracket (41%) and were followed by tourists aged between 45 and 64.

Out of a total of 40,652 outbound visitors, the number of same-day visitors for the period was estimated at 1,855 (5%).