2013 sees 9.6% increase in tourist arrivals ​

Tourist arrivals in 2013 registered a 9.6% increase when compared to the preceding year, an MHRA survey conducted by Deloitte reveals. 

Guest nights increased by 8.7% meaning an increase of more than 138,000 nights. 78% of the increase registered was achieved by hotel accomodation. 

In contrast with previous years, hotels took the bulk of tourist arrivals in the last quarter of the past year which halted recent trends of growth by private accomodations. 

The results achieved show the tourism sector reaching national record levels, with the hotel industry recording the highest occupancy levels over the last 5-year period, recovering from the dip experienced in 2009 due to the economic recession. 

Total of guest nights now exceeded the one million mark per year, with hotels registering an average of 7.25 nights stay while private accomodation registering an average of 10.8 nights. 

The MHRA survey also shows that inbound tourists from the UK market slightly decreased. Other markets such as Italy, France and Russia maintained their levels but a significant increase was registered by other non-EU countries. 

Between October and December 2013, occupancy in five star hotels increased by almost 7% when compared to the corresponding period in 2012, while four and three star hotels saw an increase of 1.9% and 9.5% increase. 

"We only need the best brains to continue moving forward, irrespective of their political beliefs," MHRA president Paul Bugeja said.

The MHRA president added that the relaxation of height limit policy can give a positive contribution if it is managed well.

The MHRA survey also goes in detail about staff expenditure. The average cost per employee in four and five star hotels remained steady during the past year, while three star hotels registered a marginal decrease.

Overall increase in occupancy meant an increase in payroll, with five star hotels increasing their payroll by slightly more than 4% while both four and three star hotels registering a 3.6% increase.  Hotels also increased their staff per available room rate.

Chris Demicoli from Smart Technologies pointed out that free wifi topped the tourists' wishes when it comes to technology offered by hotels. This follows other in-room technology and automated services.