In February, Malta saw just 9,151 inbound travellers

Total inbound visitors to Malta in February 2021 were estimated at 9,151, a decrease of 93.7 per cent when compared to the same month in 2020, the last full month where travel remained unhindered by COVID-19.

Of the 9,151, a total of 5,564 visited Malta for holiday purposes, while 2,281 visited for business and professional purposes.

The figures emerge from a National Statistics Office statement published on Monday.

Most inbound tourists were aged between 25 and 44 years (48.8 per cent), followed by those within the 45-64 age bracket (31.8 per cent). A general increase in the average length of stay was recorded, the NSO noted.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €8.4 million, a decrease of 90.4 per cent over the corresponding month in 2020.

The largest share of inbound tourists amounted to 4,212 Italian residents, equivalent to 46.0 per cent of all inbound tourists.

January-February 2021

Inbound tourists for the first two months of 2021 amounted to 22,957, a decrease of 92.2 per cent over the same period in 2020.

Total nights spent by inbound tourists decreased by 83.1 per cent, totalling 304,150 nights. Total tourism expenditure was estimated at €20.0 million, a decrease of 88.9 per cent when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Longer stays contributed to an increase in total expenditure per capita, which was estimated at €874 in February 2021.

Battered tourism industry given hope following Malta’s new herd immunity timeline

As announced last Saturday, Malta is planning to reach herd immunity three months ahead of schedule, with the original end September timeline now brought forward to end June.

In addition, the adult general population in Malta will have been offered at least one dose of the vaccine by mid-August.

This bodes well for Malta’s ailing tourism sector, especially following the news that a €20 million aid package has been dedicated to helping the sector, while marketing Malta as a holiday destination to the UK has been made a top priority.

On the UK’s part, the Government indicating citizens may start travelling again for leisure from 17th May.

Malta plans to officially open up to international tourism from 1st June, while tourists booking directly to stay at five-star, four-star and three-star hotels can receive up to €200, €150 and €100 respectively as part of a scheme to bring tourists to the island.