Malta has experienced an uncommon boon this year in their tourist trade. It appears that their popularity is on the rise as a popular, affordable destination for more travelers on holiday. And much of this success can be attributed to the increase in affordable flights to and from the exotic destination.

Airlines, especially low-cost airlines, are accustomed to record sales during the peak travel months of summer, but not so much in the winter months. Malta's home based airlines are reporting a record breaking winter season this year with more than 500,000 passengers originating from their home base of Malta's Luqa Airport. The winter months, November 2007 through March 2008, showed a remarkable 15 percent increase over the 2006 winter season.

Malta's charter air traffic is on the increase as well and is reporting a 21 percent increase over last year's figures. And it's not just the Maltese who are prospering: the market reported the largest increase as being Italy with 41 percent. Germany came in a close second at 32 percent with France at 25 percent and the U.K. by 6 percent.

Airline executives are reporting double-digit growth every month during the winter season. The question arises as to why this has happened. This success can be attributed to several factors:

* Existing code-share agreements between a network of airlines a network allow travelers daily access via European hubs. In its entirety, the network of airlines offers access to more than 180 destinations worldwide.

* Airline ticket sales via the Internet are credited as well with sales increases during the winter months.

* Many of these have added additional destinations to their list of available destinations.

* In addition to the introduction of new available destinations, airlines are increasing capacity and the frequency of flights to other major European hubs.

Times are difficult around the globe these days; both financially and politically. Now more than ever people want a break from it all in a place they can afford to visit while feeling secure in their person visiting. Many Europeans are choosing to look closer to home for their travel destinations for both of these reasons. Malta and many other near island resort sports are becoming more popular than ever.

The success of low-cost airlines proves that current currency exchange rates have not had the negative impact on international travel that was anticipated. Passengers are simply being more mindful of prices that fit their travel plans and budgets. In fact, business for most of the low-cost airlines that make frequent flights to and from Malta as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands, has seen a dramatic increase. This increase is expected to rise even more; at least for the short while.

Airlines have already promised more frequent flights to and from favorite travel destinations for the 2008 summer travel season. Increased flights at reduced prices and the availability of packaged travel deals are sure to be big hits with tourists this year. It would appear that major global excursions are out and neatly-packaged, convenient and affordable holiday hotspots are the flavor of 2008.