Updated 1245
24% jump in tourist arrivals in February – NSO
In February 2025, Malta welcomed 210,305 inbound tourists, a 24.2% increase from February 2024. Most visitors came for holidays (191,617), with 12,035 on business. The largest age group was 25–44 (38%). British, Polish, and Italian tourists made up 46.8% of arrivals. Total nights spent rose by 21.8% to over 1.2 million, mostly in rented accommodation, with an average stay of 5.9 nights. Tourist spending hit €146.8 million, up 28.2%, averaging €118.7 per night. About 45.4% of tourists visited Gozo and Comino. Between January and February 2025, tourist numbers rose 18.3% to 404,463, spending nearly €289.4 million, with per capita expenditure increasing to €716. (The Malta Independent)
Malta records lowest cancer mortality in EU
Malta has the lowest cancer mortality rate in the EU, with deaths falling 20% over a decade to 198 per 100,000, well below the EU average. While incidence rates for major cancers like lung and colorectal are lower, uterine and thyroid cancer rates remain high. Childhood cancer mortality also exceeds the EU average. Despite these strengths, Malta lags in prevention, dedicating just 1.2% of health spending to it. Obesity, especially among women and children, is a major concern. Financial barriers limit access to cancer treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs and low reimbursement rates for newer drugs. Challenges persist in infrastructure, workforce shortages, and healthcare equity, especially for migrants and lower-income groups, despite relatively strong doctor and nurse density. (Maltatoday)
KidFlix: Two Maltese nationals arrested in Europol-led global child sexual exploitation investigation
Two Maltese men, aged 26 and 27, were arrested in March 2025 as part of “Operation Stream,” a major Europol-led investigation into online child sexual exploitation. They were linked to KidFlix, a platform hosting over 72,000 CSAM videos and used by 1.8 million people worldwide. One suspect has admitted guilt; the other faces trial. Authorities seized electronic evidence during home searches. The international operation involved 35+ countries, identifying 1,400 suspects and arresting 79 people. KidFlix was shut down by German and Dutch police, revealing users earned tokens for uploading CSAM, often paid in cryptocurrency. Europol’s efforts safeguarded 39 children and highlighted the importance of global cooperation to combat online child abuse. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Malta’s Economy Growing Six Times Faster Than EU Average – Abela
Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday that Malta’s economy is expanding six times faster than the EU average, crediting the nation’s strong workforce for this success. Speaking at a political event in La Vallette Square, he highlighted Labour-led improvements in economic growth, job creation, and social support, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving lives, especially for working families. “Malta’s economic growth rate is now six times higher than that of the European Union,” Abela said on Sunday, “This success is due to Malta’s human resource, and today, we can look towards a future filled with optimism”, the PM said. (Maltatoday)
PN Pledges to Boost Cycling to 10% of All Trips
A Nationalist government would aim for 10% of all trips in Malta to be made by bicycle, PN leader Bernard Grech said on Sunday. Speaking at a transport event, Grech stressed that this goal could only be achieved with major infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe and efficient cycling routes. He criticized the Labour government for lacking long-term vision, accusing it of merely “managing by crisis” rather than investing in sustainable mobility solutions. (Times of Malta)
