After our previous article regarding the increase in tourists and airport arrivals from 2011 to 2012 we have recently read that one of the biggest growth areas has been arrival by cruise ship. The figures suggest that the numbers of tourists arriving to Malta by cruise ship is up by 44% on last year.
The bulk of these arrivals are from Germany and Italy, but there has been an increase across all EU countries. Non-EU arrivals were dominated by the USA with just over 3000 passengers arriving.
A variety of cruise ships can often be seen in Maltese waters. They are drawn here by features such as the cruise ship terminal in Valletta with the associated waterfront attractions and investment in more simple facilites like the new mooring that was installed in Xlendi, Gozo.