Malta’s tourism sector has kicked off 2026 with remarkable momentum, registering record-breaking inbound figures for the first quarter of the year.

According to data released by the National Statistics Office, a total of 806,563 tourists visited the islands between January and March, marking a significant increase of 16.3% compared to the same period in 2025. This represents an additional 113,000 visitors and highlights the continued strength of Malta as a year-round destination.

When compared to 2015, the growth is even more striking. Traditionally considered the quietest months for tourism, the first quarter has seen an increase of over 555,000 tourists, translating to a 222% surge over the past decade. Tourism expenditure has followed a similarly positive trend, reaching €585 million in Q1 2026 - an increase of €76 million over last year and more than €392 million compared to 2015.

While the average length of stay has slightly declined from 5.7 to 5.5 nights, reflecting modern travel patterns, spending per night has risen. Tourists are now spending an average of €131 per night, up by 2.7% from 2025, indicating higher value visits despite shorter stays. Total guest nights also increased by 11.9% year-on-year.

Key markets driving this growth include Poland, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, and Switzerland, with the 45+ age group contributing to more than half of the increase, an expected trend during off-peak months.

Will you be travelling to Malta this year?