Outbound tourists in the first quarter of 2021 decreased by just under 84%, according to data released by the National Statistics Office.

Between January and March, total outbound tourists amounted to 18,717, a decrease of 83.8% over the corresponding quarter of 2020.

A total of 11,601 outbound tourist trips were undertaken for visiting friends and relatives.

Most outbound tourists were aged between 25 and 44 years (61.8%), followed by those within the 45-64 age bracket (22%).

A general increase in the average length of stay was recorded. Total nights spent by outbound tourists decreased by 53.7%, amounting to 311,629 nights.

In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights (84.7%) were spent in non-rented accommodation establishments.

Total estimated expenditure by outbound tourists between January and March decreased by 77.7% over the same quarter of 2020, and stood at €18 million, equivalent to an average €968 per person.

Italy remained the most popular destination, with a share of 37.3 per cent of total tourist trips.