Total inbound tourists were estimated at 64,853, an increase of 14.1 per cent when compared to the corresponding month last year. Total nights spent exceeded 500,000, with the increase driven by private accommodation establishments.

During January, 54,967 inbound tourist trips were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 6,906 were undertaken for business purposes. Consequently holidaymakers comprised the absolute majority of inbound tourists, and registered an increase of 15 per cent. Overall, 84 per cent of inbound tourists resided in EU Member States. Notable increases were registered in the French and Italian markets, although most inbound tourists were British. Total nights spent by tourists residing outside the EU advanced by 19 per cent.

First-time visitors accounted for the majority of inbound tourists, with an estimated 61 per cent of the total. However repeat tourists went up by 14 per cent.

Total nights spent during January increased by 16 per cent, mainly due to a rise in private accommodation. Guest nights in collective accommodation increased by 4 per cent although in absolute terms, the majority of inbound tourist nights were spent in collective accommodation. The average length of stay for the period was calculated at 7.7 nights, marginally up by 0.1 of a night when compared to January last year.

Total expenditure was estimated at €48.8 million, 15 per cent higher than that recorded for January 2010. Increases were recorded under all expenditure categories.

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