Around 1 million tourists came to Malta in 2021 as sector improves

Feb 14 2022

Around 1 million people visited Malta during 2021, meaning the numbers recovered slightly when compared to the previous year when the pandemic hit.However, numbers still remain significantly lower than 2019, as 2021 registered a total of 969,246 visitors entering the island. The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the data on Monday.

This is a 47% increase over the 659,513 visitors who came to the island during the pandemic’s first year. This is still far below the 2,771,888 of 2019. Around 42.1% of visitors were aged between 25 and 44 years, while another 28.3% were aged between 45 and 64. 21.9% were people aged under 24, with the remaining visitors aged over 65.

Nights spent also improved as the total increased by 60.5%, surpassing 8.3 million nights. The total tourism expenditure was estimated at €870.7 million.This was an increase of 91.3% compared to the previous year. The total expenditure per capita stood at €899, increasing from €691 in 2020 and €807 in 2019.

Tourists coming from Australia spent the most days when compared with other tourists. This was followed by tourists from the USA, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK. With most travelling to Malta on holiday, 71.2% of the visitors were first-time tourists travelling to Malta. This doubled from the amount of first time tourists who came in 2020 when the pandemic hit, with visitors even staying longer.

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Two men arrested over massive 30kg drug bust

Feb 14 2022

Two Maltese men were arrested in connection to a bust of up to 34kg of drugs, suspected to be cannabis set for importation. It’s value is set to amount to up to €700,000.

The arrests were carried out after days of observation of the suspected persons who were bringing in drugs into Malta from Sicily. The men were using a garage in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

The Police Drug Squad, assisted by the Rapid Intervention Unity (RIU), followed a van late on Saturday night after it landed in Malta from Sicily. The vehicle made its way to the Żebbuġ garage, out of which two cars emerged.

However, police surrounded the vehicles, arresting the two men. Police found a bag filled up with approximately €300,000 in cash. Due to suspicions of fake compartments in the vehicle, police dismantled the metal to find the drugs.

The two men, one 39-years of age and another 36-years-old, are being kept under arrest in the police general headquarters in Floriana. They are expected to be taken to court later today, accused of association with drug trafficking and possession of drugs as well as money laundering.

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A three-day Eurovision Song spectacle coming this weekend

Feb 14 2022

Right after XFactor Malta Season 3 came to an end this past weekend, Malta Eurovision Song Contest will be returning for a spectacle of song spread over three evenings.

Three shows will be presented between Thursday and Saturday. Between Thursday’s semi-final and Saturday’s final, the Friday show will be dedicated to singers who have represented Malta in past editions of the company.

Singers who won the competition in the past will be returning for a throwback on stage. We’re expecting some familiar beloved faces to remind the Maltese of their long-standing passion for the Eurovision Song Contest.

In the meantime, 22 songs will be competing for the winning prize and represent Malta in Turin, Italy in May after Maneskin won the competition back in 2021. Destiny Chukunyere represented Malta last year with her song ‘Je Me Casse.’

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New breakwaters and wharfs in Buġibba and Marsamxett

Feb 14 2022

Two new breakwaters and wharfs are being planned for Marsamxett and Buġibba, aiming to boost the localities’ and the country’s maritime travel. Infrastructure Malta released calls for these projects, with the Planning Authority approving the permits for the facilities in Marsamxett.

With work currently ongoing on wharfs in Sliema and Bormla, the chief responsible for maritime projects in Infrastructure Malta, architect Janice Borg, explained how works in Bormla are currently the most advanced. In the past few months, new aquatic infrastructure was built, with contractors descending approximately 3 storeys deep underwater. The wharf’s new surface was laid upon 19 new concrete pillars.

The new infrastructure will consist of mechanised walkways to help passengers board and get off boats with more security. Architect Borg revealed that the Bormla facilities will be used in the coming weeks, with the entire project being completed by the middle of this year.

A similar situation can be found in Sliema, with the new wharfs almost completed. The remaining work consists of finding and establishing spaces where passengers can find shelter and other facilities such as ticket machines. The newly issued calls are for the Marsamxett and Buġibba breakwaters, which are expected to be far bigger than the current ongoing projects. The investment into these projects is set to exceed €30 million.

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Photo Source: TVM