Tourism is faring worse than last year, but the number of late bookings is increasing, Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat was told today during a tour of the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra today.

The hotel has capacity for 1,000 guests but currently has 900 residents.

Dr Muscat and Opposition tourism spokesman Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca were shown around by the general manager, Alex Pace, who explained that the hotel late last year completed a €3.5 million refurbishment of some 200 rooms and would refurbish the restaurants and install solar heaters late this year.

Dr Muscat congratulated the workers and the management for their efforts and wished the best for the hotel.

Ms Coleiro-Preca urged the government to follow up the investment made by the private operators by investing more in the tourism product.