Malta, a small archipelago in the Mediterranean, punches above its weight in tourism.

In 2024, Malta welcomed about 3.56 million inbound tourists, marking a 19.5 % increase over 2023.

Total tourist expenditure reached around €3.3 billion, with an average spend per visitor of about €924.

With continuing growth into 2025, Malta further strengthens its position as a year-round European destination.

Key stats: Malta Tourism

  • 3.56 million tourists visited Malta in 2024 — the highest on record so far, driven by strong recovery.
  • Travelers spent €3.3 billion in 2024, showing that Malta is pulling in not just more guests but more revenue.
  • Each visitor spent on average €924, signalling higher-value travel rather than just increased volume.
  • In just February 2025, the island saw 210,305 arrivals (+24%), showing momentum continues into the new year.
  • Through Jan–Feb 2025: over 404,000 tourists, nights nearly 2.4 million and spent ~€289 million — expressing early-year strength.
  • In April 2025: 351,165 tourists (+14.6%), more than 2 million nights (+19.7%) and €296 million expenditure (+23.6%) — growth across all major indicators.
  • Q2 2025: Hotel guest nights > 3.5 million, up vs prior year, and average spend climbed to €157.68/night.
  • Average stay in early 2025: ~5.9 nights, and per-night spend ~€118.7 — indicating willingness to stay longer and spend more.
  • With the current pace, Malta is on track for ~4.5 million tourists in 2025, potentially setting a new benchmark.

How Many Tourists Visit Malta Each Year?

In 2024, Malta recorded about 3.56 million inbound tourists.

  • This figure represents a strong rebound and growth compared to earlier years.
  • For example, earlier years: ~3.0 million in 2023.
  • In the first five months of 2025, inbound tourists numbered ~1.42 million (+14.3% vs same period 2024).

How Many Tourists Visit Malta Each Month / Day?

Monthly and daily averages vary strongly by season, but for example in February 2025 Malta received ~210,305 inbound tourists, a +24.2% increase year-on-year.

This suggests the island sees tens of thousands of arrivals daily during peak season.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Malta?

Tourists spent around €3.3 billion in Malta during 2024.

  • Average expenditure per visitor in 2024: ~€924.
  • In the first six months of 2025, expenditure reached ~€1.564 billion (+21.1% vs same period 2024).

Which Countries Visit Malta the Most?

Malta continues to draw a large share of visitors from the UK, Italy, Poland and France, among other European markets.

While detailed top-10 country lists are less consistently published, the dominance of short-haul European markets remains clear.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Malta?

Some of Malta’s top draws include historical sites, cultural experiences, beaches and neighbouring islands.

AttractionNotes
Valletta & UNESCO heritage sitesCapital city with rich history
Gozo & Comino islandsSignificant share: e.g., 57.1% of visitors to Gozo/Comino in 2024.
Blue Lagoon (Comino)Iconic lagoon, especially summer day-trips
Diving & wreck sitesMediterranean diving reputation
Local beaches & resortsSun-and-sea tourism base
Maltese cultural festivals & eventsYear-round draw beyond summer

When Is the Best Time to Visit Malta?

Malta now positions itself as a year-round destination, but traditional peak months remain summer and shoulder seasons.

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak visitor arrivals, warm weather, high occupancy
  • Shoulder seasons (Apr-May & Sep-Oct): More moderate crowds, good weather
  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Mild weather but fewer beach tourists; growth potential (2025 saw strong Jan/Feb numbers)

What Are the Biggest Events / Trends Attracting Tourists to Malta?

Malta is leveraging longer-stay, higher-spend tourism and diversification beyond summer beach holidays.

  • In 2024, growth was notably strong in off-peak months.
  • Strategy emphasises attracting new markets and increasing value per visitor.
  • Infrastructure and connectivity improvements (air routes, cruise arrivals) support growth.

How Much Does Malta Rely on Tourism?

Tourism represents a significant part of Malta’s economy.

  • Tourism contributes around 6% or more of Malta’s GDP.
  • The island’s small size means tourism-driven pressure on infrastructure, accommodation & resources.

How Busy Are Hotels / Accommodation in Malta?

  • Inbound nights in 2024: ~22.9 million nights.
  • Average length of stay in recent months: ~5.9–6.3 nights.
  • Summer months see elevated occupancy; campaigns are targeting extending the season.

Which Areas / Islands in Malta Are Most Popular With Tourists?

  • Main Island (Malta): Valletta, Sliema/St Julian’s, southern beaches
  • Gozo: Quieter island, nature & heritage; growing share of visitors
  • Comino: Day-trip destination (Blue Lagoon)
  • Northern beaches & clusters: suited for families & resort stays

FAQ – Malta Tourism Insights

How many tourists visit Malta yearly?

About 3.56 million inbound tourists in 2024.

When did Malta reach this number?

2024 marked the highest-ever level of inbound arrivals so far (up ~19.5% vs 2023).

How much do they spend?

~€3.3 billion in 2024; average spend per tourist ~€924.

Which country sends the most tourists?

Short-haul European markets dominate (UK, Italy, Poland, France) though exact ranking varies.

When is best to visit Malta?

Shoulder seasons (Apr-May & Sep-Oct) offer good balance of weather and value; summer (Jun–Aug) is busiest.

What are the biggest attractions?

Valletta & UNESCO sites, Gozo/Comino, Blue Lagoon, beach resorts, diving.

Sources

  1. NSO Malta — “Inbound Tourism: December 2024” – inbound tourists & nights data
  2. Malta Business Weekly — “Malta achieves a record-breaking year in Tourism in 2024”
  3. GoWithGuide Blog — “Malta Tourism Statistics 2025 : The Ultimate Guide”
  4. Times of Malta — “Malta sets new record for tourist arrivals first two months of 2025”
  5. Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) — “Facts & Figures – Malta Tourism Authority”

  • Alison Adams

    Alison is a travel writer for Hotelagio with a passion for solo adventures and photography. She seeks out unusual destinations and hidden gems, sharing stories that inspire curiosity and exploration. Her work has been featured in outlets including Forbes, CNN, Travel + Leisure, and Yahoo.

  • Emily Hayes

    Emily Hayes has loved traveling since her student days, when she first started sharing her stories and photos in magazines. Now she writes for Hotelagio, making sure every piece of content is inspiring and helpful for fellow travelers.