Record-breaking year: Malta tourism surges to new heights
Turquoise sea, idyllic coves, and sandy beaches. Additionally, there are hundreds of historical sites, guaranteed good weather, and enticing holiday prices. It's no wonder Malta is gaining popularity year by year. Although we still need to wait a little for official data, it is estimated that 2024 broke a historical record regarding the number of tourists visiting 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.
More tourists
It should be noted 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 guests.
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 number of tourists from Poland will also be record-breaking, significantly exceeding the planned 200,000 people.
The speed at which Maltese tourism rebounded after the pandemic pleasantly surprised experts. It was estimated that it would return to its pre-pandemic levels only by 2025.
Malta is a hit in travel agencies
For several seasons, Malta has been attracting increasing interest from travel agency clients. It is a diverse destination, making it appealing year-round, explains Marzena German.
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 go on holiday regardless of the season.
The expert adds that travel agency clients are eager to travel there for both longer stays in all-inclusive hotels and shorter trips, such as extended weekends.
Marzena German lists that the country owes its popularity to its high accessibility. One can fly there from many European cities, and it has an extensive accommodation base that includes hotels ranging from budget to luxurious, offering options from lodging and breakfast to all-inclusive packages.
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 - we have everything needed for a perfect holiday on this small island.
Malta – stunning coastline
The southernmost country in Europe includes an archipelago consisting of three main islands and several smaller ones. The largest is Malta, which constitutes almost 80% of the country's area. The others are Gozo and Comino.
In the summer, we go there to relax. Although Malta's beaches are primarily rocky, sandy ones can also be found on nearby Gozo, says Marzena German.
Malta's most beautiful beaches are Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay, Gozo Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay, and Comino Santa Maria Bay. The archipelago also has beaches with red sand.
Malta – a paradise for sightseeing enthusiasts
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is considered the sunniest town in Europe. Located on the Sceberras peninsula, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1980. Turquoise water contrasts with the honey-colored 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 excellent relaxation conditions, the island has a remarkable 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 and beautiful old towns best explored by getting lost in the maze of streets. It's also about vineyards you can visit, not to mention delicious wines. Many people also go to Malta to attend the English language schools there - remarks Marzena German.
How much do holidays in Malta cost?
The European island also tempts with pricing. We can go there on our own, taking advantage of cheap flights, which outside the summer season can be booked for as little as £40 round trip.
In a travel agency, we can purchase a week-long holiday in March without food starting from £195 per person. For all-inclusive, you must pay at least twice as much – £390.
