Total outbound tourists for the second quarter in 2017 were estimated at 125,454, an increase of 20.2 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2016, the NSO said today.

April-June

During the second quarter of 2017, increases were recorded in the number of outbound tourist trips towards both EU and non-EU destinations, reaching 112,591 and 12,863 respectively. Italy and the United Kingdom remained the most popular EU destinations, with a share of 49.5 per cent of total tourist trips.

Total nights spent by outbound tourists increased by 23.4 per cent, reaching 913,707 nights. In absolute terms, most of the guest nights were spent in private accommodation establishments.

Total estimated outlay by resident outbound tourists between April and June increased by 22.9 per cent over the same quarter of 2016, and stood at €108.4 million, equivalent to an average €864 per trip.

January-June

Total outbound tourist trips between January and June 2017 numbered 240,673, an increase of 15.8 per cent over 2016. Outbound tourism nights went up by 15.5 per cent, reaching 1.6 million. In addition, the total outlay by resident outbound tourists was estimated at €201.2 million, 11.8 per cent higher than that recorded for the same period in 2016.