27 April - 3 May 2000

March tourist arrivals decline but prospects improve

by a staff reporter

In March this year, the number of tourist arrivals dropped by 9,571 or 10.4 per cent to 82,066 from 91,637 in the same month last year, according to the latest figures released by the Central Office of Statistics.

Arrivals from the British market declined by 7,384 to 28,654 from 36,038 last year. Other drops in arrivals were recorded from the Austrian (-538), French (-801) and German (-674) markets.

During the same month, arrivals from the Libyan market increased by 1,170 to 3,689. Other increases in arrivals were recorded from the Belgian and Swedish markets.

In the first quarter this year, total arrivals reached 182,270 representing a drop of 13,265 or 6.8 per cent over the relative quarter last year. Arrivals from the British market went down by 13,759 or 17.5 per cent to 64,801 from 78,560 last year. Other drops in arrivals were recorded from the Austrian (-1,526), French (-1,197), Italian (-1,274), and Swiss (-1,336) markets.

In the period under review, increases in arrivals were recorded from the Danish, the Norwegian and the Russian markets. In March 2000, the number of cruise passengers increased by 1,522 to 4,154 from 2,632 in the same month last year. In the first quarter this year, arrivals of cruise passengers increased by 2,763 to 5,395 from 2,632 in the same quarter last year.

Despite the decline in tourist arrivals during the first three months of the year, tourism operators recorded positive results during the Easter period, according to a survey carried out by the Hotels and Catering Establishments Board on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism.

SMS chairman Neville Mifsud was quoted as saying that most hotels are fully booked and that it was very difficult to find an adequate supply of coaches and tour guides. Tour specialists Maltarama confirmed that business for 2000 is on par with last year's levels, while April results will be better due to Easter falling late this year.

Gianfranceo Selvaggi, of Thomson Holidays said that an increase of 8,000 visitors is expected over the April 1999 figures. Arrigo Group said that first quarter results show increases in the number of British and Dutch tourists while tourism from Germany maintained 1999 levels.

Edrichton Holidays' Louis Tabone reported less visitors from the UK due to the lower air seat capacity but added that Malta is currently selling well and that July and September should be positive months. Robert Arrigo, chairman of French market specialist company RAS, also complained about the lack of airline capacity and confirmed an increase for the month of April. MHRA chairman Joe Preca said he expects a five per cent increase over 1999 levels as the year progresses. He blamed the downturn in winter tourism arrivals to the decline of the British market.