As many holidaymakers fled the summer rain, the southern-European island of Malta welcomed record numbers of tourists this year.
LONDON – Despite the economic crisis affecting a large number of economies in the Eurozone, tourism to the sun-kissed Mediterranean island of Malta increased noticeably in the month of July, with data from Malta’s National Statistics Office showing a 7.2% increase in arrivals over the previous year.
EU visitors (5% increase) and non-EU visitors, who grew by an impressive 19%, contributed to the country’s outstanding tourism in 2012.
Holidays to Malta are particularly popular among British holidaymakers, who now represent the main group of tourists by nationality and 26% of total visitors.
While England and Wales recorded the wettest summer of the last 100 years, Malta made for an affordable getaway with average expenditure of approximately £70 per night. This heightened the usual appeal of a welcoming Mediterranean destination which has historically been linked to Britain and where English is still an official language.
Calum Macdonald, e-Commerce Manager at Holiday Hypermarket, comments: “The case of Malta demonstrates how, even in difficult economic periods, a welcoming atmosphere and range of affordable accommodation are very strong attractions.
“British tourists over the summer have generally been resorting to destinations where low prices go hand-in-hand with natural beauty and hot temperatures; Malta is that kind of place, a home away from home for all beach lovers.”
