Outbound tourists up by 33.2% in first quarter of 2016

Total outbound tourists during the first quarter of 2016 were estimated at 103,463, marking an increase of 33.2% over the corresponding quarter in 2015.

During the first quarter of 2016, the number of outbound tourist trips towards EU countries during this period stood at 91,572, an increase of 34.6% over the same quarter in 2015, NSO data shows.

According to figures, Italy and the United Kingdom remained the most popular destinations, with a share of 57.9% of total tourist trips.

Figures show that total nights spent by outbound tourists increased by 21.2%, reaching 661,562 nights, with the majority of guest nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments.

The NSO adds that total estimated outlay by resident tourists between January and March increased by 29.7% over the same quarter of 2015, and stood at €91.9 million, equivalent to an average €888 per trip.