MTA CEO on Malta’s tourism boom: Sustainable growth and high-value visitors are key

Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) CEO Carlo Micallef emphasised that sustainable growth and attracting high-value visitors remain at the heart of the country’s long-term strategy, as recent figures showed that over 3.5 million tourists visited Malta in 2024.

Earlier this week the National Statistics Office confirmed that Malta's tourism industry reached new heights in 2024, welcoming a record 3.56 million inbound tourists.

Total tourist expenditure rose by 23.1 per cent, up from €2.7 billion in 2023 to €3.3 billion in 2024, with a per capita expenditure of €924. This reflects Malta’s ability to attract higher-spending visitors, reinforcing the industry’s role as a key economic driver.

The results were announced during the 2025 edition of the Malta National Tourism Conference, organised by the Malta Tourism Observatory.

In attendance were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, newly appointed Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Charles Mangion, MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, MTA personnel as well as numerous stakeholders and partners in the local tourism industry.

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef commented: "The exceptional performance of Malta’s tourism industry in 2024 is a testament to our strategic vision and ongoing investment in the sector. Not only have we exceeded pre-pandemic figures, but we continue to attract high-value visitors year-round, ensuring sustainable growth and efficient use of the country’s resources. This improved performance translates into greater economic value, reinforcing tourism’s role in driving forward the development of Malta and Gozo."

The Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority Charles Mangion added: "2024 is a clear reflection of Malta’s strategic efforts to enhance its tourism offering. The strong growth demonstrates the resilience of the sector and the effectiveness of our initiatives. Moving forward, we remain committed to ensuring that this success translates into long-term, sustainable benefits for Malta’s economy and local communities."