New Year's Eve was the best night of the year for the entertainment industry but, although the number of patrons remained more or less unchanged compared to previous years, the amount spent was lower.

Philip Fenech, president of the tourism and hospitality sector of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, said the bottom line was, more or less, positive, especially in view of the recession.

"Some owners reported business being the best possible and others said that although their establishments were full, the spend was a bit less than expected," he said.

He said everyone knew of the economic situation and that it would not be an easy festive season.

"The build-up was slow but people did come out on New Year's Eve. The difference this year is that, more than ever before, there was a wide variety of activities," Mr Fenech said.

He added that the Christmas period was quiet but New Year's Eve was good both in terms of locals going out and the presence of tourists, giving a "good feeling to entrepreneurs".

A notable number of Italians were also here for the celebrations and the "spill-over" from New Year's Eve was being felt until yesterday. Many tourists are expected to leave the island today and tomorrow.

What was different this year compared to previous New Year's Eves were the amount of requests outside catering suppliers had from people holding in-house parties.

Also, Mr Fenech said, there was a much wider range of activities than usual, varying from in-house activities to gala dinners in hotels, to parties held in licensed and one-off licensed venues.

The general trend in Paceville was for people to go out quite late, usually after having been to another event. But establishments generally stuck to their stipulated 4 a.m. closing times without problems, he said.

No serious incidents were reported, apart from small commotions, one of which included a suspected firework going off near St George's Park at about 5 a.m., according to a police source, causing a big bang. Police officers checked the area but did not find anything.

Mr Fenech conceded that the first months of the New Year would be difficult.

He however expected the situation to stabilise soon due to increased flights and accessibility to Malta.

"The last year was a difficult one. This year's going to be a challenging one, however there's going to be opportunities," he said.