Tourism operators appear highly optimistic that things will keep improving even in 2015, after another record in arrivals this year.
According to the results of a Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association survey, by the end of September, all main indicators were up, including tourist arrivals, accommodation figures in all categories of hotels, and profits per room.
More than 70 per cent said they are expecting increased levels of occupancy and increased room rates in 2015, the survey concluded.
The only indicator which suffered a drop is the average stay. According to ongoing trends, visits are becoming more frequent but shorter.
Next year’s challenges need tough decisions
During the first nine months of this year, tourist arrivals increased by eight per cent over 2013, which was already a record year, according to the survey compiled by auditing firm Deloitte.
Although guest nights increased by five per cent, the survey noted a lower growth rate when compared to tourist arrivals.
Occupancy increased in all categories of hotels, but mostly in the 5-star sector, which saw an increase of 5.2 per cent. Four and 3-star hotels improved their occupancy by 1.7 and 2.5 per cent respectively. Profits for the industry were also positive.
Revenue per available room increased most in 3-star accommodation, with a reported increase of 14.4 per cent. Increased profit was also reported in the other categories, at 11.4 per cent in the 5-star category, and 7.7 per cent for 4-star hotels. Describing the latest results as positive, MHRA president Matthew Pace focused on next year’s challenges, which he said needed “tough decisions”.
He referred particularly to the situation at Air Malta and said delicate decisions will determine the prospective future of the national airline.
Mr Pace criticised the length of time it was taking to put in place a new public transport service.
“It is unacceptable that month after month we are still waiting for the launch of a new system.”
Mr Pace commended the government on the introduction of various initiatives in the sector, particularly the commitment to lower energy tariffs for the industry from March as well as the new hotel policy permitting them to build two extra floors over their existing facilities.