The Malta Tourism Authority has expressed its satisfaction at the positive statistics for tourist departures during February 2015 published by the National Statistics Office earlier today.

 The statistics for February feature an increase of 14.1% or 9,216 more tourists during the corresponding month last year coupled with an increase in nights stayed of 6.6% or 32,990 nights.  Tourist expenditure was estimated at €53 million following increased spending of €6 million or 12.8% over February 2014.  All four major source markets generated increases.

The cumulative data for the first two months of 2015 point to a very positive start for the year with performance to date showing that there were nearly 14,000 more tourists when compared to the same period last year.  Nights stayed by tourists during the first two months of this year have gone up by no less than 64,000 to reach almost 1.2 million.  A total of €114 million worth of cumulative tourist expenditure has generated an increase of €11 million in tourist expenditure in comparison to the first two months of 2014.

 All the major source markets feature increased tourism flows which more than compensated for the expected declines from Libya and Russia, which generating the only notable declines in tourism volumes measured during the period.

 This latest data published by the National Statistics Office shows that tourism performance during the current winter 2014/15 season is consistently positive with all months since November showing increases and indications for March 2015 also pointing to further growth.  This is a very important development that goes very much in line with Government's objective of channelling growth into the off-peak low season months to reduce the negative effects of seasonality.

Commenting on these positive developments the MTA CEO Paul Bugeja said "The Malta Tourism Authority will continue with its efforts to sustain tourism volume and value growth throughout all months of the year through its wide range of marketing activities and product development initiatives."