MaltaMedia.com

The National Statistics Office has reported that tourstat data for September showed an increase of 15.2 per cent in the number of inbound tourists when compared to last year. Total nights spent during this period went up by 16.8 per cent.

In September 2010, inbound tourists were estimated at 150,034, the majority of whom were holiday makers. Most inbound tourists came from EU Member States, yet incoming tourists from Non-EU countries increased substantially. Still the main markets for inbound tourism continue to be the UK and Italy.

While non-package trips still constituted the majority, the estimates for package and non-package trips increased by 14 and 16 per cent respectively. Furthermore an increase of 10 per cent was noted in the number of tourists spending a minimum of 7 nights in Malta, thereby making this the most popular trip duration.

Total nights spent during this period were estimated at 1.3 million, the majority of which were spent in collective accommodation. Guest nights in collective accommodation rose by 18 per cent, while total night spent in private accommodation registered an increase. The average length of stay was estimated at 8.9 nights, up by 0.1 nights when compared to 2009.

From January to September 2010, inbound tourists totalled over 1 million, an increase of 13 per cent when compared to the same period last year. Increases were recorded both in the number of repeat tourists and in the number of first-time visitors, albeit the latter still constituted the majority. The average length of stay stood at 8.5 nights, slightly less than what was estimated last year.

On a gender basis male tourists exceeded female ones, and accounted for 51 per cent of the total. The majority of tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket, narrowly followed by those in the 45-64 age-group. Nonetheless a significant increase was noted in the number of tourists under 25 years of age.

Total nights spent between January and September went up by 12 per cent reaching a total of nearly 9 million nights. Guest nights in collective accommodation advanced by 12 per cent, while nights spent in private accommodation rose by 11 per cent.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €914 million. This estimate is 22 per cent higher than that for 2009. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Total per capita expenditure stood at €868, an increase of 8 per cent over last year.