Most Maltese Tourists Went To Italy In Late 2023

Feb 19 2024

In the fourth quarter of 2023, outbound tourist numbers rose significantly, reaching 218,288, marking a 21.1% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

These travellers collectively spent 1,494,943 nights abroad. Holiday trips accounted for the majority, with 140,554 journeys, followed by visits to friends and relatives at 51,528 trips. The age group of 25 to 44 years constituted the largest segment of outbound tourists at 48.4%, followed by those aged 45 to 64 at 28.6%.

Trips to both EU and non-EU countries saw notable growth, with increases of 19.3% and 26.6%, respectively. Italy remained the favoured destination, attracting 33.3% of total tourist trips.

Overall, outbound tourists spent 23.1% more nights abroad, totalling just under 1.5 million. Most nights were spent in non-rented accommodation establishments, accounting for 54.6% of stays. On average, each outbound tourist stayed for 6.8 nights.

Expenditure by outbound tourists surged by 23.6%, reaching €196.2 million for the quarter, with an average of €899 per capita.

Throughout 2023, total outbound tourist trips numbered 814,005, a substantial increase of 35.3% over 2022. Total nights spent increased by 33.9%, exceeding 5.6 million nights, while estimated expenditure by resident tourists amounted to €734.8 million, marking a significant rise of 42.0% compared to 2022.

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Chinese New Year Parade Held in Valletta

Feb 19 2024

On the 17th of February, the Maltese China Cultural Centre celebrated Chinese New Year by organising two events both held in Malta’s capital city Valletta.

This year’s Chinese New Year which is also regarded as the year of the dragon, was celebrated on the 10th of February, as unlike it’s western counterpart which is always celebrated on the 1st of January, the date of the Chinese New Year fluctuates and depends on the lunar calendar. For Chinese people all around the world New Year’s day is always celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

The first event organised was a parade with Chinese and Maltese volunteer models donning Hanfu which is traditional clothing used to be worn by Chinese in the past. The route of the parade started at the Maltese China Cultural Centre at 173, Melita Street, Valletta and continued to Republic Street, St. George Square, went passed the iconic parliament building and ended in Triton Square.

The second event took place at the China Cultural Centre, where members and the public could try authentic Chinese tea, make Chinese lanterns and New Year paintings, and learn Chinese calligraphy with the guidance of an art teacher. It was undoubtedly a fun way to experience Chinese culture and celebrate the New Year together.

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2 Years Without Chris Scicluna: Moira With Tribute

Feb 19 2024

2 years ago, Maltese singer and songwriter Chris Scicluna, passed away aged 62.

Chris had represented Malta for the Eurovision Song Contest final with his wife Moira Stafrace and their song ‘More Than Love’ in 1994.

Taking to social media, Moira wrote: ‘2 years without you… still feels like yesterday’.

‘I’m kind of reliving it in my head like a movie on ‘fast forward’ .. But it was not a movie.. It was real.. All of it.. All that happened.. And now that I have come to accept I know that I am more than what happened to me… Life taught me a lot.. But you taught me more and living happily at peace is one of them! And last nights Guns performance at MCC was just for you and I know you were with me. We miss you Chris… immensely.’

Chris was the father of his and Moira’s daughter Michela, with the local music scene all expressing its condolences and mourning upon the advent of his passing.

#MaltaDaily

Toroq Imħabrtin Għalik – Parody Shoddy Road Signs In Swieqi

Feb 19 2024

Signs erected in Swieqi by anonymous residents have captured national attention, with the sign reading: ‘Toroq Imħarbtin Għalik: Just Wait A Little Longer… Again’.

Images of the signs, sent in by Swieqi Local Council candidate Jordan Galea Pace, parody the ‘Toroq Aħjar Għalik’ signs by Infrastructure Malta, which are set up as road construction is underway.

The parody sign even includes a tongue out emoji as well as ‘In-Fractured Road Malta’ as the parody poster.

What do you make of this?

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