Drop in tourists arrival in August

The National Statistics Office reports that during the month under review, inbound tourists were estimated at 191,583. There was a decrease of 1.9% in the number of tourists when compared to previous year, albeit a notable increase in those travelling for business purposes.

Overall, first-time visitors accounted for 72% of inbound tourists. In line with previous months, 87% of inbound tourists came from EU Member States, and in particular from the euro area. Tourists coming from countries outside the EU increased by 11%. The main markets for inbound tourism remained the UK and Italy, despite a drop in Italian tourists (-18 %).

On the other hand, the German and British markets experienced increases.

Total nights spent during August were estimated at 1.9 million, down by 5% when compared to last year. Decreases were reported in the number of nights spent in private and in other collective accommodation. The average length of stay was estimated at 10 nights, down by 0.3 of a night when compared with 2010.

Moreover, the number of tourists choosing short stays of up to 3 nights increased by 17% , while tourists staying for more than 7 nights went down by 4%.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at nearly €210 million, resulting in a slight increase in comparison with 2010. Decreases were recorded in package and non-package expenditure categories and an increase was registered in other expenditure.

Inbound tourists during the first eight months this year totalled 972,014, an increase of 7% over 2010.

In absolute terms, this growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the UK market. On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the Italian, Libyan and Spanish markets. 85% of all inbound tourists came from EU Member States.

Increases were recorded in both the number of repeat tourists and in the number of first-time visitors. The majority of tourists opted for non-package travel; yet an increase in package trips was registered.

The largest proportion of inbound passengers were aged between 45 and 64 and were closely followed by those within the 25-44 age bracket. Nonetheless, a significant increase was noted in the number of tourists over 65 years of age. On a gender basis male tourists exceeded females and accounted for 53% of total inbound tourists.

Total nights spent between January and August increased by 4%, reaching nearly 8 million nights. Guest nights in collective accommodation went up by 3%, while nights spent in private accommodation, increased by 6%.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at almost €850 million. This estimate is 9% higher than that for 2010. The growth in package expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in non-package expenditure. At €874, total expenditure per capita for the first eight months increased by 1.6%