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Malta's tourism industry 1964-2005 • Tourism departures 2004 • Tourism departures 2005
Tourism departures 2006 • Tourism departures 2007 • Tourism departures 2008

Data bank index
January 2008 - January tourism up by 23.4 points
February 2008 - Arrivals up in first two months of 2008
March 2008 - Tourism up in Q1, but visitors spend less
April 2008 - Three point increase in April arrivals as guest nights drop
May 2008 - More tourists, but shorter stays in May
June 2008 - Income up half a point in six months
July 2008 - July drop in UK visitors
August 2008 - Arrivals up in August, but bed nights dip
September 2008 - September arrivals down 3 per cent
October 2008 - Tourist arrivals up in 2008, but income down
November 2008 - November arrivals down 11 points
December 2008 - Tourist arrivals up in'o8 as income dips

Tourist arrivals up in '08 as income dips

Valletta, 02/01/09 - The National Statistics Office’s Tourstat survey indicated that tourist departures in December 2008 were estimated at 45,139. The majority of tourists, or 44,102, came to Malta by air. The number of arrivals by air is estimated to have decreased by 12.9 per cent, while ship borne tourism increased by 18.2 per cent.

Results also show that 82.8 per cent of tourists in December came to Malta on holiday, while a further 12.3 per cent visited the islands for business purposes.

Meanwhile, total nights spent increased by 16.5 per cent when compared to the same month in 2007. More specifically, total nights spent in private accommodation increased by 53.7 per cent, while guest nights in collective accommodation increased by 6.4 per cent. Overall, the average length of stay is calculated at 10.1 nights, up by 2.5 nights when compared to December 2007.

Inbound tourists for 2008 are estimated at 1,290,856, an increase of 3.8 per cent over 2007. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the Italian, German and Spanish markets. On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the British, American and Scandinavian markets.

During this period, total nights spent increased by 2.2 per cent when compared to 2007.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure is estimated at €1,041.2 million, a decrease of 1.6 per cent over total tourist expenditure for 2007. The growth in non-package expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in package and other expenditure.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €819, down by 5.8 per cent when compared to the annual figure for 2007.

November arrivals down 11 points

Valletta, 30/11/08 - Tourist departures in November were estimated at 73,608, implying a decrease of 10.8 per cent over the same month in 2007, the National Statistics Office reports.

The majority, or 72,559 of tourists, came to Malta by air. There was a decrease of 11.3 per cent in the number of air passengers when compared to November 2007. Results also show that 78.7 per cent of tourists in November came to Malta on holiday, while a further 15.8 per cent visited the island for business.

Meanwhile, total nights spent decreased by 14.6 per cent when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private accommodation increased by 21.1 per cent, while guest nights in hotels registered a drop of 23.5 per cent. Overall, the average length of stay was 7.3 nights, down by 0.4 nights when compared to November 2007.

The number of arrivals for the past 11 months is estimated at 1,245,717, implying an increase of 4.5 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the Italian, German and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the British, American and Scandinavian markets.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure is estimated at €1,011.2 million, resulting in a decrease of 1.5 per cent over the same period last year. The growth in non-package expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in package and other expenditure.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €824, down by 6.3 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Tourist arrivals up in 2008, but income down

Valletta, 28/11/08 - The National Statistic Office’s ongoing frontier survey shows that tourist departures in October were estimated at 126,941, a drop of 9.3 per cent over the same month last year.

The majority of tourists, 125,878, travelled to the islands by air. Nevertheless, there was a decrease of 9.4 per cent in the number of air passengers when compared to October 2007. Results also show that 84.2 per cent of tourists in October came to Malta on holiday, while a further 8.7 per cent visited the islands on business.

Meanwhile, total nights spent decreased by 12.3 per cent when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private accommodation decreased by 18.4 per cent, while the collective accommodation category registered a drop of 9.7 per cent.

Overall, the average length of stay was calculated at 8.3 nights, down by 0.3 nights when compared to last October.

Tourist arrivals for the first 10 months of the year are estimated at 1,172,109, an increase of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits from the Spanish, Italian and German markets. On the other hand, there were decreases in the American, British and Libyan markets.

Between January and October, the main increase in arrivals was among tourists travelling independently and not on package holidays. On the other hand, the number of tourists on a package holiday decreased by 12.9 per cent.

The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged between 45 and 64, followed by those in the 25 to 44 bracket, albeit the largest increase was in the 0 to 24 age bracket.

Total nights spent rose by 2.7 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation increased of 6.1 per cent, while guest nights in rose by 1.4 per cent. Stays in 5 and 4 star hotels increased respectively by 6.9 and 2.1 per cent, while the 3 star category recorded a drop of 13.6 per cent.

The average length of stay was 8.8 nights, down by 0.2 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the first 10 months of 2008 the total tourist expenditure was estimated at €956.6 million, a decrease of 1.5 per cent over the same period last year. The growth in non-package expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in package and other expenditure.

The NSO survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is €829, down by 7.3 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year

September arrivals down 3 per cent

Valletta, 01/11/08 - According to the ongoing National Statistics Office survey, tourist departures in September were estimated at 139,794, a decrease of 2.7 per cent over the same month in 2007.

Total nights spent increased by 2.6 per cent when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private accommodation increased by 37.6 per cent, while the collective accommodation category registered a drop of 10.4 per cent. Overall, the average length of stay was 9.3 nights, up by 0.5 nights when compared to September 2007.

Tourist arrivals for the first nine months of 2008 were estimated at 1,045,168, implying an increase of 7.8 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the British, American and Libyan markets.

Although there was an increase in repeat tourism, data show that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 70.1 per cent of total visits. The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged 25 to 44, followed by those in the 45 to 64 age bracket.

Total nights spent increased by 4.8 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007.

Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 9.6 per cent, while guest nights in hotels increased by 2.9 per cent. With regard to collective accommodation, the 5 and 4 star hotel categories increased respectively by 6.6 and 2.9 per cent, while the 3 star category recorded a drop of 11.2 per cent.

The average length of stay was calculated at 8.8 nights, down by 0.3 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €854.7 million, a marginal increase over the same period in 2007. The growth in non-package and other expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €829, down by eight per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year

Arrivals up in August, but bed nights dip

Valletta, 30/09/08 - In August 178,570 tourists visited the islands, an increase of 1.2 per cent over the same month last year, the National Statistics Office reports.

The increase reflects primarily a rise in the Italian, German and Nordic markets, while tourists from the UK, the Netherlands and France registered decreases. NSO data also shows that 87.7 per cent of tourists in August came to Malta on holiday.

Total nights spent in Malta in August decreased by 0.4 per cent when compared to the same month last year. Year on year, total nights spent in private accommodation decreased by 9.1 per cent, whilst hotels registered an increase of 5.1 per cent.

Overall, the average length of stay was 10.8 nights, down by 0.1 nights when compared to August 2007.

In the first eight months of the year, meanwhile, 905,374 tourists visited the islands, increase of 9.6 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the British, American and Libyan markets.

NSO data shows that 88.3 per cent of all tourists were from the EU. Although there was an increase in repeat travel, data show that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 70.4 per cent of total visits.

The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged between 25 and 44, followed by those in the 45 to 64 bracket.

Total nights spent increased by 5.2 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 5.1 per cent, while guest nights in hotels rose by 5.2 per cent. With regards to hotels, the five and four star categories increased respectively by 5.6 and 4.4 per cent, while the three star category recorded a drop of 4.6 per cent. The average length of stay was 8.7 nights, down by 0.4 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €732.6 million, an increase of 1.1 per cent over 2007. The growth in non-package was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure.

The per capita total expenditure, meantime, was estimated at €820, down by 8.7 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year.

July drop in UK visitors

Valletta, 29/08/08 - In July an estimated 149,491 people visited the Maltese islands, according to the National Statistics Office, an increase of 1.2 per cent over the same month last year. The increase reflects a rise in German, Spanish and Russian tourists, while visitors from the UK, the US and France registered decreases.

Meanwhile, total nights spent increased by 5.2 per cent when compared to July 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and hotel accommodation increased by 12.1 and 2.1 per cent respectively. Overall, the average length of stay was 10.0 nights, up by 0.3 nights when compared to July 2007.

Inbound traffic for the first seven months of 2008 are estimated at 726,804 - an increase of 11.9 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the American, Libyan, and Swiss markets.

Although there was an increase in repeat tourism, data show that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 69.5 per cent of total visits.

Total nights spent rose by seven per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation increased by 12.7 per cent, while guest nights in hotels rose by 5.2 per cent.

With regard to hotels the five and four star categories increased respectively by 8.3 and 2.3 per cent, while the three star category recorded a drop of 7.9 per cent. The average length of stay was 8.2 nights, down by 0.4 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure is estimated at €551.8 million, an increase of 1.8 per cent over 2007. The growth in non-package was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure.

The NSO survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure was €768, down by 10.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Income up half a point in six months

Valletta, 01/08/08 - According to the National Statistic Office's ongoing frontier survey, tourist departures in June were estimated at 129,378, an increase of 10.2 per cent over the same month in 2007. The increase reflects, primarily, a rise in the French, Italian and Spanish markets, whilst tourists from the UK, the US and Belgium registered decreases

Meanwhile, total nights spent increased by 12.5 per cent when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and collective accommodation increased by 18.2 and 10.5 per cent respectively. Overall, the average length of stay was 8.4 nights, up by 0.2 nights when compared to June 2007.

Arrivals for the first half of 2008, meantime, were estimated at 577,313, an increase of 15.0 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth was mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the American, Libyan, and Russian markets.

In the first six months of the year the total tourist expenditure was estimated at €404.5 million, an increase of 0.6 per cent over 2007. The growth in non-package was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure was estimated at €713, down by 13.0 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Data shows 89.1 per cent of all visitors were from EU member states. Although there was an increase in repeat tourism, data show that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 68.6 per cent of total visits.

The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged between 45 and 64, albeit the strongest increase was attributable to the 25 to 44 age bracket.

Total nights spent increased by 7.7 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 13 per cent, while guest nights in hotels increased by 6.1 per cent.

With regard to hotels, the five and four star categories increased respectively by 9.7 and 3.0 per cent, while the three star category registered a drop of 4.2 per cent. The average length of stay was calculated at 7.8 nights, down by 0.5 nights when compared to last year's level.

More tourists, but shorter stays in May

Valletta, 18/07/08 - In May an estimated 131,354 tourists left the islands, an increase of 20.5 per cent over the same month in 2007. This was because of a rise in British, German and Spanish tourists; on the other hand, there were fewer visitors from the United States, Russia and Switzerland, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Total nights spent on the islands increased by 16.8 per cent when compared to May 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and hotel accommodation rose by nine and 19 per cent respectively. Overall, the average length of stay was 7.3 nights, shorter by 0.2 nights when compared to May of last year.

Meantime, arrivals for the first five months of the year are estimated at 447,935; an increase of 16.5 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, says the NSO, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand, there were decreases from Libya, Switzerland and the United States.

Although there was an increase in repeat tourism in the first five months of 2008, NSO data show that the overall increase "was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 68.2 per cent of total visits".

Total nights spent between January and May increased by 6.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation rose 11.1 per cent, while guest nights in hotels increased by 4.9 per cent. More specifically, guest nights in rented accommodation and in lodging with family or friends increased respectively by seven and 21.4 per cent while total nights spent in owner occupied accommodation registered a minor decrease, the NSO reports.

Five star hotels notched a 13.3 per cent increase in guest nights in the first five months of the year. There were less dramatic increases in the four star category whilst guest nights in three star properties registered a decrease. The average length of stay was 7.6 nights, down 0.8 when compared to last year's level.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €306.3 million, an increase of 0.7 per cent over 2007. NSO data indicate that the per capita total expenditure was estimated at €695, down by 14.0 per cent when compared to the first five months of 2007.

Three point increase in April arrivals as guest nights drop

Valletta, 03/06/08 - In April an estimated 104,892 tourists visited the islands, an increase of three per cent over the same month in 2007. The increase reflects primarily a rise in Italian, French and Spanish tourists, the National Statistics Office reports. On the other hand, there were fewer visitors from the Nordic countries, Ireland and Switzerland. NSO statistics also show that 80.2 per cent of tourists come to Malta on holiday.

Meanwhile, total nights spent decreased by 14.9 per cent when compared to April 2007. Overall, the average length of stay was 7.2 nights, shorter by 1.6 nights

In the first four months of 2008, the NSO says 316,581 people visited the islands, an increase of 15 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago. In absolute terms, the growth is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the British, Libyan and Swiss markets.

Although there was an increase in repeat business, data show that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 67.4 per cent of total visits.

The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged between 45 and 64, albeit the strongest increase was attributable to the 25 to 44 age group.

Total nights spent increased by 2.7 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 11.9 per cent, while guest nights in hotels increased nominally by 0.1 per cent.

More specifically, tourist nights in rented and owner-occupied accommodation and stays with family and friends all registered increases. Regarding hotels, the increase in total guest nights registered in the five star sector was contrasted with a drop in the three and four star categories. Nights spent in establishments classified as 'other collective' also registered an increase. The average length of stay was 7.8 nights, down by 0.9 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure is estimated at €210.2 million, a decrease of 4.2 per cent over 2007, mainly the result of a shift from collective to private accommodation.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €674, compared to €812 during the corresponding period last year.

Tourism up in Q1, but visitors spend less

Valletta, 01/05/08 - Tourist departures in March were estimated at 90,504, an increase of 27 per cent over the same month last year. According to the National Statistics Office there were more holidaymakers, "mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets". On the other hand, the number of visitors from Ireland, the Netherlands and Libya decreased.

Total nights spent on the islands rose by 21.1 per cent compared to March 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in both private and hotel accommodation increased by 23.7 and 20.5 points respectively. Overall, the average length of stay in March was eight nights, shorter by 0.4 nights when compared to March 2007.

The total number of tourists who visited the islands in Q1 was estimated at 211,689, an increase of 22 per cent over the January-to-March trimester last year. The NSO says the "growth was primarily attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded from the British, Russian and Libyan markets".

Although there was a rise in repeat tourism, NSO data indicates that the overall increase in Q1 was "characterised by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 65.6 per cent of total visits".

Total nights spent increased by 13 per cent, compared to Q1 of 2007.

Nights spent in both private and collective accommodation also increased - the former by 37.6 per cent and the latter by 7.2 percentile points.

"More specifically", reports the NSO "tourist nights in rented, owner-occupied and in lodgings with family and friends all registered increases, while the increase in total guest nights in the five and four star hotel categories was contrasted by a decline in the three star category. Nights spent in establishments classified as 'other collective' also registered a substantial increase".

The average length of stay for Q1 was calculated at eight nights, down by 0.7 nights when compared to last year's level.

In the first three months of the year, the total tourist expenditure was estimated at €142.7 million, an increase of 4.9 per cent over 2007. "The growth in non-package and other expenditure was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure"

The NSO results show that the per capita expenditure was estimated at €684, down by 14.2 per cent when compared to Q1 of 2007.

Arrivals up in first two months of 2008

Valletta, 01/04/08 - According to the National Statistic Office's ongoing frontier survey tourist departures in February were estimated at 57,335, an increase of 13.4 per cent over the same month in 2007.

The increase reflects primarily a rise in holidaymakers, mainly from the German, Spanish and Italian markets. The number of UK tourists dropped 6.4 per cent to 22,857.

Total nights spent increased by 1.6 per cent compared to February last year. Year on year, total nights spent in private accommodation increased by 8.3 per cent, whilst those in hotels remained relatively unchanged. Overall, the average length of stay in February was 8.1 nights, shorter by one night when compared to February 2007.

Meantime, in the first two months of the year 121,185 tourists visited the islands, and increase of 18.5 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago.

The growth was primarily attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the German (up 50.9 per cent), Spanish (up from 831 individuals to 3,995) and French (up 67.8 point) markets. The UK market was down 5.4 per cent to 44,954 from 47,522 last year.

Although there was an increase in repeat traffic, the NSO's data show that the overall increase was characterised by a rise in first time visits - accounting for 63.8 per cent of total arrivals.

The total number of nights spent rose by 7.7 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation increased by 47.1 per cent while those in hotels registered a drop of 1.5 per cent. Tourist nights in rented, owner-occupied and in lodging with family and friends rose.

The average length of stay in the first two months of 2008 was eight nights, down by 0.8 over last year.

In the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €80.2 million, a decrease of 0.9 per cent over 2007.

The growth in non-package and other expenditure was offset by a reduction in package expenditure.

As from 2008, the number of tourists visiting Malta on direct bookings and non-package trips exceeded package ones, the latter accounting for 41.8 per cent of the total.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €672, down by 16.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year.

January tourism up by 23.4 points

Valletta, 28/02/08 - The year has started well for tourist departures. In January 63,850 tourists left the islands, an increase of 23.4 per cent over the same month a year ago, reports the National Statistics Office.

The increase reflects a rise in holidaymakers from Germany (up 67 per cent), France (up 119 points), Ireland (up 141.8 per cent) and Spain (a colossal 331 per cent increase). By contrast, there was a drop in departures from the United Kingdom (down four per cent), Libya (down 48 per cent) and Russia (slipping 15.8 points).

Expenditure, meantime, rose a negligible 0.5 per cent to €43,406,000 from €43,197,000 in January 2007.

Total nights spent increased by 14 per cent compared to January 2007 to 507,826.

Overall, the average length of stay was eight nights, down by 0.6 nights when compared to the corresponding month a year ago.

Finally, the NSO persists in including Finland as a Scandinavian country – it is not. When Finland is included with Scandinavia, the area is known as the Nordic countries.