Malta tourism booms: Record-breaking 3.5 million visitors in 2024
Turquoise seas, paradisiacal coves, and sandy beaches. Additionally, hundreds of historical sites, guaranteed good weather, and tempting vacation prices. 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 in terms of 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.
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 it 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 state only by 2025.
The full data regarding tourism in Malta for 2024 will be announced in mid-February.
Malta is a hit in travel agencies
- Malta has been enjoying increasing interest from travel agency clients in Poland for several seasons. It is a very diverse destination, making it appealing year-round - explains Marzena German from Wakacje.pl.
The average annual temperature on the island is a pleasant 73°F. With over 300 sunny days and short, mild winters, Malta is one of the few places in Europe where you can go on vacation regardless of the season.
The expert adds that clients of travel agencies are eager to travel there both for longer stays – in hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis, as well as for shorter trips – such as extended weekends.
- The country owes its popularity to high accessibility – one can fly there from many European cities, and the extensive accommodation base includes hotels ranging from budget to luxurious, operating in a system offering lodging and possibly breakfast to all-inclusive establishments - lists Marzena German.
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, which consists 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 the beaches on Malta itself are mostly rocky, on the 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, 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-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 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, with 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 vacations 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 $50 round trip.
In a travel agency, we can purchase a week-long vacation in March without food starting from $240 per person. For all-inclusive, you need to pay at least twice as much - $480.
