Outbound tourists during February increase by 4.2%

The number of outbound tourists during February stood at 18,121, an increase of 4.2 per cent over the corresponding month last year. Sameday visitors numbered 1,193.

In February 2011, outbound trips to EU destinations amounted to 15,849, while the number of Non-EU trips stood at 2,272. Trips towards EU destinations increased by 943, mainly brought about by an increase in the British and German markets.

Despite a decline of 217 trips, Italy remained the most favourite destination among Maltese residents. Trips to Non-EU countries went down by 9 per cent when compared to February 2010.

The majority of outbound trips were carried out by males and stood at 11,090, or 61 per cent

of the total. Most of these tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (8,561), followed by the 45-64 age-group (5,350).

Between January-February 2011 outbound tourists throughout this two-month period were estimated at 38,640, up by 11 per cent over last year. Trips to EU countries stood at 33,052 with the most visited countries being the UK and Italy. Trips to Non-EU destinations dropped slightly and were calculated at 5,588.

The largest proportion of outbound trips were carried out by tourists in the 25-44 age bracket, followed by the 45-64 age group. These numbered 17,330 and 12,225 respectively. Female tourists were in the minority and stood at 15,504, or 40 per cent of total. Out of a total of 41,016 outbound visitor trips, the number of same-day visitors for the period was estimated at 2,376.