Analysing incoming tourist statistics for 2019 is vital to understand what tourists are looking for, where they spend their money and how to cater to their needs with regards to accommodation. Are tourists visiting Malta for a few days for leisure or for business? Are they spending a couple of months in Malta studying? Do they prefer staying in Airbnbs or in hotel rooms booked through travel agents?
Incoming Tourists To Malta In 2019
In 2019, nearly 2.8 million tourists visited the Maltese islands (an increase of 5.9% compared to 2018). A total of 19.3 million nights were spent in accommodation around the island including hotels, hostels and Airbnbs (an increase of 4.1% compared to 2018). Tourists spent around €2.2 billion (an increase of 5.7% compared to 2018), with a total expenditure per capita of €807.
Demographics of Tourists
In Malta, there is a balance in the gender of tourists, with 49.7% being male, and 50.3% being female tourists. The majority of incoming tourists fall between the ages of 24 and 64, with 40% being between the ages of 24 and 44, whilst 30% being between the ages of 45 and 64. A large percentage of tourists visit from Europe (83.6%) due to the close proximity and the affordability of flights from low-cost airlines.
Type of Visits
88.9% of incoming tourists visit Malta for holiday purposes whilst 6.87% come to Malta for business and professional reasons. The rest of the incoming tourists visit Malta due to other reasons such as educational, religious or health tourism.
Over 70% choose to organise their own trip to Malta including accommodation, flights, transportation and activities rather than booking a package through a travel agent. When analysing this data from 2017 and 2018, we can see that there is a constant rise in people who decide to organise their own trip, resulting in more people searching for accommodation on Airbnb rather than staying in hotels organised by tours. This results in over 1,935,225 people searching for accommodation throughout the year.
Although we are seeing a rise in short term holidays (1 to 5 nights) compared to previous years, the majority of incoming tourists choose to stay in Malta for 7 nights or more (48.34%). 21.82% spend 1 to 3 nights in Malta whilst 29.84% spend 4 to 6 nights in Malta.
As the owner of a rental property, this data is important for you to make the most out of your rental property. It will help you understand the general demographics and gauge the ever-rising figures of tourists opting for short lets throughout the year. The data also shows us what type of accommodation is chosen, as well as the type of amenities tourists require.
The tourism industry is always changing and is highly affected by external factors. Constant monitoring of the situation and adapting as necessary will help you achieve the highest return of investment on your rental property.
Take advantage of the ever-growing tourism sector and set up your rental property for short term accommodation. Ewi Home Services Ltd can help you get started and manage your rental property. We can help you with obtaining the MTA rental license, professional interior photography, setting up of rental listing on Airbnb as well as guest communication, laundry, restocking and maintenance services. Start now to maximise your profits!
