Preferred EU destinations for Maltese remain UK and Italy

During August, outbound trips to EU destinations stood at 27,604, while non-EU trips were estimated at 3,766. Overall, trips towards EU destinations increased by 4%, while Non- EU trips were 23% less than those recorded in 2010.

Decreases were recorded towards all destinations, with the exception of Italy, where an increase of 51% was registered.

The two most popular destinations remained the UK and Italy, with 5,797 and 8,339 outbound tourist trips respectively.

The majority of outbound tourists were males, and totalled 16,299. However, female tourists recorded a marked increase equivalent to 7% with respect to 2010. The largest share of tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (11,143, or 36% of the total), followed by those aged 45-64, numbering 8,651 (28%). Same-day visitors amounted to 3,375, 15% more than 2010.

Outbound passengers throughout this period stood at 198,092, an increase of 10% over last year. Outbound trips towards EU destinations accounted for 89% of the total and amounted to 176,022. Trips towards EU countries advanced by 14%, while those towards Non-EU destinations dipped by 16%.

The most popular destination among Maltese tourists was Italy, with the UK coming a close second. Both destinations accounted for 55% of total outbound trips. Increases of 24% and 12% were registered in the Italian and the UK markets respectively.

The number of trips to France registered a drop.

Tourists in the 25-44 age bracket comprised the largest proportion of outbound trips, followed by the 45-64 age group. All age groups registered increases over last year. Female tourists were in the minority and stood at 87,561, or 44% of the total. Out of 223,059 outbound visitor trips, the number of same-day visitors for the period was 24,967.