6.3 Cruise Passengers
This chapter presents a regional dimension of tourism statistics in MALTA, mainly based on survey data collected from ongoing direct enquiries with industry operators and visitors. The content is structured in three distinct sections: (i) the performance of collective accommodation establishments as reported by operators; (ii) regional tourism demand comprising domestic and inbound tourism as declared by visitors; and (iii) main characteristics of cruise passengers.
Salient Points
6.3 Cruise Passengers
In 2024
… 363 cruise liner calls in MALTA with a total of 849,088 cruise passengers, the latter increasing by almost 34,500 passengers who visited in 2023.
… 30,170 passengers spent at least one night on board their berthed cruise liner.
… 32 cruise liners in Gozo and Comino region with a total of 13,948 cruise passengers.
Tables
Methodological Notes
1. The majority of passengers embarking on cruise liners from Malta generally end their trip at the same destination. Therefore embarkations are not included in cruise traffic figures to avoid double counting.
2. Cruise liners calling at both Malta and Gozo and Comino regions during a single voyage are recorded as one liner call.
3. Definitions:
● Embarkations: Maltese cruise passengers, and foreign cruise passengers who arrive in Malta by another means of transport.
● Transit passengers: cruise passengers who arrive in/leave Malta on the same cruise ship.
● Landings: cruise passengers who arrive in Malta on a cruise ship and leave by another means of transport or stay in Malta.
