Update | 'Air of optimism' about Malta's direction - Tourism Minister

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that recent national statistic tourism figures reflect the government’s recognition of the importance of the tourism sector to Malta’s economy.

“The government is committed to improve growth and sustainability in tourism, in both Malta and Gozo,” Zammit Lewis said. “This doesn’t only happen through the government’s work alone but through the hard work of our families and businesses.”

“There is an air of optimism and a clear sense that Malta is moving in the right direction,” Zammit Lewis added, referring to a recent report from credit rating agency Moody’s that praised the success of the tourism industry in Malta.

National statistics show that the total arrivals in collective accommodation establishments during August 2014 numbered 174,435, while total nights spent surpassed 1.1 million. All hotel categories recorded increases in total nights spent, except 3-star hotels. 

The largest share of guest nights was reported in 4-star hotels, with 508,382 nights, or 45.3 per cent of the total.

The average length of stay in collective accommodation establishments went down from 6.7 nights in August 2013 to 6.4 nights during the month under review. The net use of bed-places stood at 87.2 per cent, up by 4.4 percentage points when compared to the corresponding month last year.

Total arrivals in Malta numbered 163,480, up by 6.8 per cent over August 2013. Additionally, a rise of 2.3 per cent was recorded in the number of nights spent. Meanwhile, the average length of stay edged down by 0.3 of a night to 6.6, when compared to last year. The net occupancy rate advanced from 82.8 per cent to 87.3 per cent.

Total arrivals and nights spent in Gozo and Comino increased by 2.0 and 2.9 per cent when compared to last year, reaching 10,955 and 47,462 respectively.

On a national level, there were 166 active collective accommodation establishments during August, with a net capacity of 18,670 bedrooms and 41,506 bed-places. On average, each establishment had 2.2 beds per room.

Total arrivals during the first eight months of the year amounted to almost 1.1 million, an increase of 8.4 per cent over 2013. Total nights spent went up by 3.4 per cent, reaching 6.0 million. The net use of bed-places advanced by 2.9 percentage points to 64.3 per cent