Jet-setters! We have the inside scoop on where the Maltese travelled to this year
Malta is a great place to visit as a tourist, and it’s also a great place to call home. But like most ‘homes’ in the world, a quick getaway is always needed to help you appreciate your homeland and accept its quirks for what they are. In the first quarter of 2019, there were 146,841 outbound tourists who voyaged out of our little island according to the National Statistics Office.
These 146,841 made up a 6.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2018, while Q2 of 2019 saw an increase of 8.2% - that’s 158,161 travellers between the months of April and June 2019 alone. While the numbers seem rather high, it is a rather common feature for an island, especially an island slap bang in the middle of the Mediterranean, where connecting flights are ample and the choices are endless.
So far in the year, the majority of travellers were men, falling in the age group of 25 - 44 taking a trip to go on holiday, for family visits and even for business. The majority of fliers - both male and female - travelled within the European Union but a great number of travellers - over 30,000 - travelled outside Europe also.
But where did they actually go? Here are a few of the European countries our locals visited according to the NSO.
France
France, the country of romance, the Tour Eiffel and cheese…lots and lots of cheese. When travelling to France, local Maltesers must gasp at the beauty of the Champs Elysees in Paris and travel to the quaint villages of Aix-en-Provence where markets, museums and cafés are a plenty. Alternatively, a trip to Toulouse where a glass of wine and a fresh baguette can be enjoyed while watching life on the river go by.
Germany
Germany - a land where nature, beer and punctuality are taken very seriously. Ludacris stereotypes aside though, Germany is a wonderful place to appreciate the beauty of architecture in the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, the stunning nature of the Black Forest or, alternatively, the hip and vibrant life of Berlin.
Italy
Probably the most stunning country out there and pretty popular with the Maltese, Italy hosts mountains, rivers, lakes, sea, volcanoes, countryside, city life, fashion, food, culture, art, traditions, sports cars…and did I mention food? Travelling to Italy, north, central or south, is a treat for the soul.
Spain
Yet another stunner in the European quarters, Spain varies in its offerings to visitors depending on the northern and southern regions. A trip to Barcelona will introduce you to the wonderful architecture of Gaudi’s park while Madrid will lead you to the Prado where some of the world’s most magnificent art pieces can be found.
United Kingdom
The UK, and Britain in general, provides most Maltese with a sense of comfort, either because their family originated or migrated to this highly cosmopolitan country or simply because travelling around is far easier when you actually speak the same language. A trip to London meets you with insane choices of cuisine and fashion; Edinburgh slaps you with culture and freedom; while Dublin is basically Party City. Cardiff is also a super spot to watch the rugby…it’s your choice.