MaltaMedia.com

The National Statistics Office has reported that inbound tourists in March stood at 76,436, an increase of 7.4 per cent when compared to the corresponding month last year. During the same period, total nights spent were estimated at 631,155.

Tourstat results show that 57,225 tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes, accounting for the absolute majority of tourist arrivals. A further 11,618, were in Malta on business. The majority of departing tourists resided in EU Member States, while the number of Non-EU tourists was estimated at 7,310. First-time visitors comprised 63 per cent of inbound tourists, while repeat tourists recorded an increase of 17 per cent.

During the same period, nights spent in both collective and private accommodation registered an increase. Overall, 83 per cent of inbound tourists resided in collective accommodation, while 17 per cent made use of private accommodation. The average length of stay was calculated at 8.3 nights, up by 0.7 nights when compared to March 2009.

Inbound tourists during the first quarter this year were estimated at 186,462, an increase of 7 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. In absolute terms, this change was mostly attributed to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the Italian, Spanish and British markets. Decreases were recorded in the German and Russian markets.

The majority of inbound tourists opted for non-package travel, albeit an increase in package trips. The largest proportion of inbound passengers fell within the 45-64 age bracket, followed by those within the 25-44 age bracket. Overall, the majority of tourists visiting Malta stayed for a period of seven nights or more. Total nights spent during the quarter advanced by 6 per cent. An increase in collective accommodation was recorded; as opposed to a drop in the private accommodation category.

The average length of stay was calculated at 8.0 nights, down by 0.1 when compared to last year. In the period under review, total tourist expenditure is estimated at €136 million, up by 18 per cent over 2009. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. The total expenditure per capita was estimated at €742, up by 9 per cent when compared to 2009 levels.

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