Malta’s tourism sector is off to a stellar start in 2025, setting new records across all key performance indicators during the first two months of the year. Official figures released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) reveal that Malta welcomed over 404,000 inbound tourists in January and February – an 18.3 per cent year-on-year increase.

This surge is not only promising for the tourism industry but also holds significant implications for investors and businesses operating in, or considering entry into, Malta’s wider hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

Tourism performance drives broader economic gains

In February alone, Malta hosted 210,305 international visitors, marking a 24.2 per cent rise over the same month last year. Accompanying this influx were strong gains in guest nights (+21.8 per cent, reaching 1.24 million) and tourist expenditure, which totalled €146.8 million, a jump of 28.2 per cent.

Cumulatively, tourist spending for January and February reached €289.4 million, representing a nearly 29 per cent increase over the previous year. This lifted per capita expenditure to €715, up from €657 in early 2024 – a clear sign that Malta is not only attracting more tourists, but also higher-spending ones.

These metrics underscore the wider economic impact of tourism and highlight Malta’s potential as a strategic location for tourism-linked investment.

Targeted connectivity and market diversification yield results

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) credits much of this growth to enhanced air connectivity and diversified market outreach. Notably, Malta is now directly connected to seven airports in Poland, a key growth market, with expanded flight capacity compared to last year. The launch of Aer Lingus flights from Dublin during the winter season has also strengthened Malta’s accessibility from Ireland.

Poland emerged as the standout source market, contributing nearly 23,000 additional visitors, followed by the UK (+12,000), Ireland (+6,229), and France (+5,035).

“The record-breaking growth in early 2025 reflects targeted investment in connectivity, diversified marketing, and a commitment to quality,” stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Ian Borg. “We are building a sustainable, year-round tourism economy that benefits our communities and showcases the very best of what Malta has to offer.”

For investors and business leaders, these developments signal Malta’s growing resilience and attractiveness as a tourism destination – one that continues to evolve beyond seasonal patterns and into a more sustainable, stable pillar of the national economy.