Malta’s tourism industry experienced a significant boost in 2024, with a total of 3,563,618 inbound tourists visiting the islands over the course of the year, according to newly released statistics from the NSO.

This marks a 19.5 per cent increase compared to 2023, reflecting strong demand for the destination and a continued recovery of the travel sector.

The majority of tourists travelled by air, with 3,495,024 arrivals recorded, representing a 19.9 per cent increase from the previous year. Sea arrivals saw a modest rise of 3.3 per cent, reaching 68,594.

Visitors from the European Union accounted for 2,394,318 of the total, an 18.4 per cent increase. Meanwhile, non-EU visitors grew by 21.9 per cent, totalling 1,169,301.

Italy remained a strong source market, contributing 616,326 tourists, while the United Kingdom saw a significant increase, with 704,302 visitors, a 30.6 per cent rise from 2023.

Other key markets showing growth included Poland (up 58.3 per cent), France, and Germany.

Tourist expenditure was estimated at €3.3 billion, 23.1 per cent higher than that recorded for the same period in 2023.

Purpose of visit and length of stay

Leisure tourism dominated the arrivals, with 3,290,522 tourists visiting Malta for holidays, marking a 21.4 per cent increase.

Business and professional travel also showed growth, reaching 172,463 visitors, up by 10 per cent. However, other travel purposes, including educational and health tourism, declined by 11.9 per cent.

Despite the increase in overall arrivals, the average length of stay continued its downward trend, standing at 6.4 nights, down from 6.8 nights in 2023 and 7.3 nights in 2022. Shorter stays of 1-3 nights saw a 22 per cent increase, while visits lasting 4-6 nights rose by 27.5 per cent.

Accommodation and spending trends

Tourists opting for rented accommodation reached 3,245,037, reflecting a 21.7 per cent increase.

Within this category, collective accommodation, including hotels, saw an 18.2 per cent rise, while other rented accommodations, such as short-term rentals, increased by 8.2 per cent. Non-rented accommodation remained relatively stable at 184,094 visitors.

Total tourist expenditure reached €3.29 billion, up by 23.1 per cent from 2023. Per capita spending also saw an increase, averaging €924 per tourist, with the largest share spent on accommodation and other travel expenses.

Gozo and Comino saw an impressive rise in tourist visits, with 2,035,607 visitors making their way to the sister islands, a growth of 18.5 per cent. Same-day visitors totalled 1,854,158, marking a 19 per cent increase, while overnight stays rose by 14.3 per cent to 181,449.