Tourstat data showed that tourists in December 2009 totalled 49,848, an increase of 10.4 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2008. During the same period total nights spent remain relatively unchanged.

Results show that 41,512 tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes, accounting for the absolute majority of tourist arrivals. A further 6,111, were in Malta for business purposes. The majority of inbound tourists came from EU member states and amounted to 84 per cent of the total. The number of non-EU tourists was estimated at 7,782. First time visitors made up the majority of inbound tourists, with an estimated 53 per cent of total inbound tourists. Repeat tourists increased by 20 per cent to 23,441.

Air transport remains the most popular means of reaching Malta with an estimated 98 per cent of total tourists using this means of transport.

During the same period, guest nights in collective accommodation decreased by 4 per cent, while total night in private accommodation increased by 13 per cent. Overall 75 per cent of inbound tourists chose to reside in collective accommodation, while 25 per cent made use of private accommodation. The average length of stay is calculated at 8.0 nights, down by 0.8 nights when compared to December 2008.

January-December 2009

Inbound tourists in 2009 were estimated at 1,183,012, resulting in a drop of 8 per cent over 2008. Tourist changes in the main market may be related to changes in air traffic involving these destinations. In absolute terms, this change is mostly attributable to a decrease in holiday visits, mainly from the British, German and Scandinavian destinations. On the other hand increases were recorded in the Italian and Libyan markets.

The majority of inbound tourists opted for non-package travel. During the reference period demand for both package and non-package trips decreased by 11 and 6 per cent respectively. The largest proportion of inbound passengers aged between 45 and 64 closely followed by those within the 25-44 age bracket. Overall the majority of tourists visiting Malta remained on the island for a period of at least seven nights.

Total nights spent over the past months decreased by 9 per cent. Guest nights in collective accommodation registered a drop of 12 per cent, while total nights in private accommodation decreased by 0.3 per cent. The average length of stay was calculated at 8.5 nights, at par with 2008 levels.

During these twelve months, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €916.4 million, resulting in a decrease of 12 per cent in comparison with 2008. Decreases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories and are attributed to the decreases in number of nights spent by these tourists.

Finally, results indicate that per capita total expenditure was estimated at €791, down by 4 per cent when compared to 2008 levels.

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