Italy Remains Top Destination For Maltese In 2025 Q1

Italy Remains Top Destination For Maltese In 2025 Q1
May 6 2025 Share

Italy remained the top travel destination for Maltese outbound tourists in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 34.5% of all trips.

Travel to EU countries increased by 2.2% over the same period in 2024, while trips to non-EU destinations saw a decline of 3.7%.

Between January and March, a total of 181,403 outbound trips were recorded, a slight increase of 820 compared to the first quarter of 2024. Of these, 111,965 trips were for holiday purposes, followed by 42,098 for visiting friends and relatives.

The majority of outbound tourists were between 25 and 44 years old (52.0%), with another 29.4% falling into the 45–64 age group.

Tourists spent a total of 1,321,606 nights abroad, an increase of 117,304 over the previous year.

Most of these nights (57.3%) were spent in non-rented accommodations, such as staying with friends or relatives. The average length of stay per tourist was 7.3 nights.

Outbound tourist spending reached €171.2 million for the quarter, with an average expenditure of €944 per person. These figures highlight both the popularity of short-term European travel and a growing investment in leisure among Maltese travellers.

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Maltese Aquatic Sports Mourn Passing Of Edgar Izzo

Maltese Aquatic Sports Mourn Passing Of Edgar Izzo
May 6 2025 Share

Maltese aquatic sports woke up to the sad news of the passing of Edgar Izzo, a respected and long-serving figure in the local sporting community, who died at the age of 85.

Edgar Izzo played a significant role in Maltese sports administration, holding several key positions throughout his career.

He served as treasurer of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), and also contributed his time and expertise as club secretary at Sliema Aquatic Club. In addition, he held the roles of treasurer and vice-president at Sliema Wanderers Football Club.

Izzo was known for his meticulous approach to administration and was widely regarded as a man of great integrity and dedication.

His contributions to sport were not only professional but personal, as he left a legacy of excellence, discipline, and commitment that influenced those who worked alongside him.

Many within the sporting community have acknowledged Izzo’s impact and the example he set, both as an administrator and as a person. His values and passion for sports clearly left an impression on those around him.

His influence continues through his son, Karl Izzo, the current ASA president, who has followed in his father’s footsteps with a successful career in sports leadership.

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New Scheme To Pay Fishermen To Support Marine Research

New Scheme To Pay Fishermen To Support Marine Research
May 6 2025 Share

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said has announced a new funding scheme aimed at supporting local fishermen in the collection of maritime data.

Speaking at a press conference alongside representatives from the Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) agency, Bugeja Said revealed that the initiative will offer financial compensation to licensed fishermen with registered vessels who agree to collaborate with researchers during their fishing trips.

This innovative scheme is designed to facilitate real-time data collection at sea by directly involving fishermen in the research process. “This is a concrete step showing how Malta is working toward more responsible and sustainable management of its natural resources,” said Bugeja Said. “Data collection is vital to making informed decisions and developing strong policy for the future of the fisheries sector.”

Fishermen selected based on set criteria will receive approximately €320 per fishing trip under the EMFAF DC-MAP program.

The initiative merges principles of sustainability, evidence-based research, and the blue economy. Bugeja Said emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the sector through innovation and collaboration.

Applications will be accepted from Monday, 12 May, to Saturday, 17 May 2025, with ARM officials offering assistance from offices in Marsaxlokk, St. Paul’s Bay, and Mġarr, Gozo.

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6 Conscience Volunteers Brought To Malta, Flew Back Home

6 Conscience Volunteers Brought To Malta, Flew Back Home
May 6 2025 Share

The Embassy of Palestine in Malta took to social media to share some updates on the Conscience humanitarian vessel.

It was revealed that six volunteers aboard the vessel were brought to Malta and flew to their home country on Monday night.

The Freedom Flotilla revealed on social media that the location of the 6 volunteers was not disclosed to the FFC team until they were taken to Malta airport.

Meanwhile, a Maltese surveyor was allowed aboard the vessel to asses the needed repairs.

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