Total outbound tourists for the fourth quarter in 2017 were estimated at 160,416, an increase of 16.6 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2016, the NSO said today.

October-December 2017

During the fourth quarter of 2017, outbound tourist trips towards non-EU countries increased by 34.3 per cent over the same quarter in 2016. Italy and the United Kingdom remained the most popular destinations, with a share of 49.7 per cent of total tourist trips.

Total nights spent by outbound tourists increased by 13.1 per cent, surpassing 1.0 million nights. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights (55.2 per cent) were spent in private accommodation establishments.

Total estimated outlay by outbound tourists between October and December increased by 15.6 per cent over the same quarter of 2016, and stood at €137.7 million, equivalent to an average €858 per trip.

January-December 2017

Total outbound tourist trips between January and December 2017 numbered 572,500, an increase of

15.2 per cent over 2016. Total nights spent by outbound tourists went up by 12.6 per cent, surpassing 3.9 million nights. In addition, total estimated outlay by resident tourists stood at €516.5 million, 11.9 per cent higher than that recorded for the same period in 2016.