The UK regained its position as Malta’s largest inbound tourism market last year, ahead of Italy.
Total tourist expenditure rose by 23.1%, up from €2.7 billion in 2023 to €3.3 billion in 2024, with a per capita spend of €924.
Total arrivals reached a record 3.56 million, up almost 20% over the previous year, according to latest official figures.
Tourist guest-nights rose to nearly 23 million, up 13% from the previous year.
However, the average length of stay declined from 6.8 nights in 2023 to 6.4 nights in 2024, reflecting global travel trends driven by increased flight connectivity and greater travel flexibility, the Malta Tourism Authority noted.
Most of Malta’s top 15 source markets recorded strong growth in 2024, with the UK up by more than 30%.
Malta was hailed as one of the fastest-recovering destinations in the sector after surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
The country maintained its momentum with a 19.5% increase in arrivals in 2024.
This placed Malta among the top-performing destinations in Europe and the southern Mediterranean, ahead of competitors such as Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia, according too the country’s national statistics office.
While Europe as a whole saw a modest 1% increase over 2019 and 5% over 2023, Malta’s double-digit growth “highlights its resilience and growing appeal”.
Malta Tourism Authority chief executive Carlo Micallef said: “The exceptional performance of Malta’s tourism industry in 2024 is a testament to our strategic vision and ongoing investment in the sector.
“Not only have we exceeded pre-pandemic figures, but we continue to attract high-value visitors year-round, ensuring sustainable growth and efficient use of the country’s resources.
“This improved performance translates into greater economic value, reinforcing tourism’s role in driving forward the development of Malta and Gozo.”
Newly-appointed Malta Tourism Authority chairman Dr Charles Mangion added: “2024 is a clear reflection of Malta’s strategic efforts to enhance its tourism offering. The strong growth demonstrates the resilience of the sector and the effectiveness of our initiatives.
“Moving forward, we remain committed to ensuring that this success translates into long-term, sustainable benefits for Malta’s economy and local communities.”