Malta tourism booms with record-breaking visitor surge
Turquoise seas, beautiful coves, and sandy beaches. Additionally, there are hundreds of historical sites, reliable weather, and attractive vacation prices. It's no wonder Malta is gaining popularity year after year. Although we still need to wait for the official data, it's estimated that 2024 set a historical record for the number of tourists on this European island.
The Malta Tourism Authority reported that 2024 was truly exceptional for this small state. The latest NSO data (Malta's statistical office) shows that from January to November 2024, 3.371 million foreign tourists visited this island country.
It should be added that in December 2023, 159,000 foreign guests were recorded visiting Malta. If the number of tourists arriving in this Mediterranean country in the last month of 2024 held steady, the barrier of 3.5 million will definitely be surpassed.
Malta sets all-time record
Until 2023, the record year in Maltese tourism history was 2019 - the last year before the pandemic when 2.7 million tourists visited Malta. Four years later, the island welcomed 3 million foreign visitors.
2024 brought another all-time record. It is estimated that Malta will close the year with a historical number of foreign guests reaching 3.5 million.
The speed at which Maltese tourism rebounded after the pandemic pleasantly surprised experts. It was estimated that it would return to its pre-pandemic state only by 2025.
The full data regarding tourism in Malta for 2024 will be announced in mid-February.
The average annual temperature on the island is a pleasant 23°C. With over 300 sunny days and short, mild winters, Malta is one of the few places in Europe where you can vacation regardless of the season.
The expert adds that travel agency clients eagerly travel there both for longer stays – in hotels offering all-inclusive deals, as well as for shorter trips like extended weekends.
It's undeniable that Malta entices primarily with its ideal blend - beautiful coastline, great weather, and numerous fascinating historical sites. There's no need to choose - on this small island, we have everything needed for a perfect vacation.
Malta - stunning coastline
The southernmost country in Europe includes an archipelago, consisting of three main islands and several smaller ones. The largest is Malta, making up almost 80% of the country's area. The others are Gozo and Comino.
- In the summer, we go there to relax – although the beaches on Malta itself are mostly rocky, on nearby Gozo you can also find sandy ones - says Marzena German.
On Malta, the most beautiful are considered to be Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay. On Gozo, Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay are favourites, and on Comino, Santa Maria Bay. There are also beaches with red sand on the archipelago.
Malta - a paradise for sightseeing enthusiasts
The capital – Valletta – is considered the sunniest town in Europe. The city is located on the Sceberras Peninsula and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1980. Turquoise water contrasts with the honey-coloured hue of the local buildings. Among the most interesting attractions in the city are St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster's Palace.
Marzena German highlights that tourists appreciate that besides beautiful views and great relaxation conditions, the island also tempts with a wonderful history dating back to ancient times. - However, Malta is most likely associated with the medieval period due to the Maltese Order. It's also a place with over 300 churches, featuring beautiful old towns best explored by getting lost in the maze of streets. Not to forget, there are vineyards you can visit, along with delicious wines. Many people also go to Malta to attend the English language schools there - remarks Marzena German.
How much do vacations in Malta cost?
The European island also tempts with pricing. You can plan a trip on your own, taking advantage of affordable flights, which outside the summer season can be booked for as little as $68 CAD round trip.
Through a travel agency, you can purchase a week-long vacation in March without meals starting from $326 CAD per person. For all-inclusive, you need to pay at least twice as much - $652 CAD.
