Tourstat data for January to April 2012 indicates that the number of inbound tourists during this four-month period was estimated at 327,341, down by 7 per cent over 2011. In absolute terms, this change was mostly attributable to a decrease in holiday visits, mainly from the British, Italian and French markets. Despite these drops, the German market still recorded an upward shift equivalent to 13 per cent when compared to last year’s levels. 85 per cent of all inbound visitors comprised tourists coming from EU Member States.

Non-package travel exceeded package travel, with an estimated 52 per cent of total inbound tourists. Decreases were observed in both first-time visitors and repeat tourists, equivalent to 7 and 6 per cent respectively. On a gender basis, results show that male tourists exceeded females, accounting for 53 per cent of the total. The largest proportion of inbound tourists were aged 45-64, despite decreasing by 5 per cent. Another substantial decrease (12 per cent) was noted in the number of tourists aged 25-44.

Total nights spent during this period went down by 3 per cent, reaching a total of 2.5 million. The average length of stay for this period stood at 7.6 nights, up by 0.3 of a night over 2011. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments.

Total tourist expenditure for the first four months of the year was estimated at €246.7 million, a 1 per cent decrease over last year, with the average spend reaching €754 per capita.

Data for April indicate that inbound tourists went up by 1.6 per cent when compared to last year. Total nights spent rose by 9 per cent, bringing the average length of stay to 7.0 nights.

Inbound tourists visiting Malta and Gozo for holiday purposes were estimated at 100,826, an increase of 2 per cent over the corresponding month last year. A notable decrease was observed among those travelling for business purposes. The majority of inbound tourists came from EU Member States (88 per cent), albeit registering marginal drops when compared to 2011. Meanwhile, the number of departing tourists coming from Non-EU countries increased by 19 per cent.

Malta’s main market for inbound tourists remained the UK, with a share of 31 per cent of total inbound tourists, followed by Italy with a share of 15 per cent. All main markets remained practically unchanged when compared to last year, except for Italy which advanced by 11 per cent. Nonpackage travel slightly exceeded package travel, with an estimated 51 per cent of total inbound trips. Nonetheless, non-package travel declined marginally, while package travel increased by 6 per cent.

Total nights spent during April were estimated at 856,317, up by 9 per cent when compared to 2011. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments, although an increase in the use of private accommodation was recorded.

During the reference month, total expenditure was estimated at €95.1 million, a growth of 7 per cent over last year. Expenditure on package travel advanced by 6 per cent and stood at €33.9 million, while non-package expenditure decreased marginally, reaching €25.4 million.

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