Between January and February 2008, the number of Maltese passengers departing by air and sea amounted to 35,441, an increase of 29.6% over the previous year. Of these 86.6% travelled to European Union destinations; the most visited countries being the UK and Italy.
During this period, male outbound passengers exceeded female ones, the former accounting for 61.4% of the total. Half of the outbound passengers comprised passengers aged between 25 and 44 years, followed by those in the 45-64 age bracket who accounted for 39.6% of total Maltese travellers.
During February 2008, Maltese residents departing by air and sea are estimated at 17,042. Of these 14,963, travelled to European Union destinations, the most popular being Italy and the UK.