Travelbiz E-Zine
13
December
2023

Malta Day celebrates record growth from Ireland

#Traveltradetogether

On the occasion of Malta Day, H.E. Giovanni Buttigieg (Maltese Ambassador to Ireland) hosted a celebratory event attended by the entire Diplomatic Corps in the Herbert Park Hotel. Tolene van der Merwe (Director UK & Ireland Malta Tourism Authority) flew over specially and beforehand met with Travelbiz Features Editor Declan Mescall.

Tolene told Declan visitors to Malta from Ireland increased by 32% January to September 2023 compared to the same period last year. There have been 37,027 visitors to Malta from Ireland compared with 27,895 Jan-Sept 2022 resulting in a 30% increase in expenditure by Irish tourists in Malta. On average the length of stay for visitors is 6.9 nights and interestingly 78% of tourists were first time visitors and 38% were aged 25-44, with 28% 45-64, 24% were 0-24 while nearly 9% were over 65 years.

The main purpose for visiting Malta is for a holiday with 91.4% travelling for holidays and 4.6% for business. 75 % of bookings have been non-package tourists, with 25% package.

Speaking about the figures, Tolene said “ It is great to see such a big increase in visitor numbers from Ireland in 2023 compared to 2022. This continues the positive trend that shows we are nearly back at the pre-pandemic levels of visitors.”

Next year, in addition to flights from Dublin, from mid-March Shannon- Malta flights will also operate to help cater for demand. Tolene is keen to point out the great value on offer in Malta, especially in the out of season months of March to June and September to November with temperatures in November usually around 17/18 degrees.

With six Michelin Star restaurants Malta has established itself as a gastronomy destination. Activity attractions in Malta include adventure sports, scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and of course walking and hiking. With 7,000 years of history Malta is steeped in arts, culture and heritage and with 3,000 hours of sunshine per year Tolene says “Explore More in Malta”.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    The TSN Maldives Grand Prize Goes To…….
    19th June 2025

    The TSN Maldives Grand Prize Goes To…….

    After an unforgettable run of TSN Roadshows and a week filled with excitement, the moment has finally arrived - and we are beyond thrilled to announce the winner of the dream Maldives Beach Pool...

    Read more
    Stena Line rebrands passenger lounges to celebrate Welsh Year of Croeso
    19th June 2025

    Stena Line rebrands passenger lounges to celebrate Welsh Year of Croeso

    Swedish-owned ferry company, Stena Line is re-branding its famous Hygge Lounges on its Dublin to Holyhead route to underline the connections between Scandinavia and Wales and celebrate the Welsh...

    Read more
    AKTG Launches in the Republic of Ireland
    19th June 2025

    AKTG Launches in the Republic of Ireland

    Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), the parent company of iconic travel brands Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, and Crystal, is now approved to operate in the Republic of Ireland, marking a ...

    Read more
    The TSN Final Maldives Finalists Are HERE! TEN lucky finalists – who is going to win??
    19th June 2025

    The TSN Final Maldives Finalists Are HERE! TEN lucky finalists – who is going to win??

    The final two amazing agents, chosen at random by The Travel Suppliers Network, now make 10 finalists for the fantastic TSN Maldives Beach Pool Villa prize!

    Read more
    The Jamaica Tourist Board Celebrates 70 Years with ‘70 for 70’ Travel Trade Campaign
    19th June 2025

    The Jamaica Tourist Board Celebrates 70 Years with ‘70 for 70’ Travel Trade Campaign

    Founded on 1st April 1955, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. To mark this milestone, JTB will host a series of familiarisation trips throughout the year, a...

    Read more
    AmaWaterways Celebrates Historic Christening of AmaMagdalena in Colombia
    19th June 2025

    AmaWaterways Celebrates Historic Christening of AmaMagdalena in Colombia

    Leading river cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the official christening of AmaMagdalena on Tuesday, 17th June, 2025, in the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox, Colombia. As the first-ever luxur...

    Read more