Hotels, restaurants report 'fair' start to 2011

Hoteliers have reported a 'fair' start to the new year.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) said today that according to a survey it had conducted, there was better trading when compared to last year, however the results also showed that the purchasing power of consumers was still weak.

"Overall occupancy in the accommodation sector over the Christmas period was similar to last year’s levels while for the New Year, the only category that registered an improvement was the 4-star category. In fact 53% of the 4-star hotels who participated in the survey indicated that their occupancy over the New Year period was better than last year. However the 3-star category reported a drop in occupancy on last year."

The association said hotel restaurants in the 5 and 4-Star category registered slightly better performance over last year for both the Christmas and the New Year periods, whilst 3 star hotels reported a worse performance on last year for both periods.

Stand alone restaurants reported better performance over the Christmas and the New Year, although the results varied between regions. Restaurants located in the St. Julians/Sliema and Valletta areas registered increases on last year, whilst those located in the St Paul’s Bay area reported a worse performance.

Restaurateurs also commented that the average spend remained relatively low.