The numbers speak for themselves - and that number is 2.2 million visitors in 2017 alone.
Catching the bus from St Julian’s to Sliema has always been a challenge – ever since the ‘90s! Back then, bus number 62, which traced this route, would take ages to come. And then, three would show up at the same time! You could never get it right. But now, it seems we’re going to need that many (and even more!) since tourist numbers have gone up once again.
In fact, the National Statistics Office released figures yesterday showing an increase of almost 16 per cent on the number of tourists visiting the Maltese Islands in 2017, compared to 2016, with over 2.2 million touching our shores in the 12 months alone. And it seems that most of these (73.4 per cent) were first time visitors, with repeat tourists accounting for 26.6 per cent (yep, we don't blame you!)
Half of those who arrived on the island lured by the sun, sea and sand came courtesy of one of the low-cost airlines which fly to these blink-and-you’ll-miss them islands in the Med. And it’s actually not surprising, particularly when you consider the rock-bottom prices offered by some of these companies - you could even get your hands on a one-way trip for just over 35 euros! What more incentive do you need to get that holiday booked?