Top tourist spot! Malta places first in EU charts for foreign tourist stays in early 2025
91.2% of overnight stays in Malta were by foreign visitors in the first few months of 2025.
While overall EU tourism saw a slight dip in the first quarter of 2025, Malta has emerged as one of the clear winners, leading in both the proportion of foreign overnight stays and a strong increase in international visitors from last year’s numbers.
According to newly released Eurostat data, 91.2% of overnight stays in Malta between January and March 2025 were by foreign guests, the highest share among all EU member states. This places the island nation ahead of popular destinations like Cyprus (85.7%) and Luxembourg (80.4%).
Despite a 0.2% decline in overall overnight stays across the EU compared to the same period in 2024, Malta swam against the trend, experiencing a notable 17.2% increase in foreign visitor stays – the second-highest growth rate in the EU, just behind Latvia (+18.5%).
This surge in international tourism comes amid a broader European context affected by shifting holiday patterns. With Easter falling in April this year, many countries saw fewer visitors in March compared to 2024. Yet Malta's appeal remained strong, reinforcing its reputation as a year-round destination.
These figures reaffirm the island's status as a magnet for international travellers, thanks to its rich history, sunny climate, and cultural events, especially during the quieter early months of the year when other destinations may see lulls.
For a small country, Malta continues to punch above its weight in tourism performance, and the first quarter of 2025 proves it's still very much on the map for global travellers seeking Mediterranean charm.
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