Five-star hotels report 25% occupancy in July

Occupancy in five-star hotels registered an average of 25 per cent for July but August is “looking better”.

Some properties are experiencing sporadic surges and forecasting a higher percentage of occupied rooms for this month.

On the other hand, there are also reports of cancellations coming in for the end of August as Malta’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

The average daily room rate in July was down by 25 per cent, compared to the same period last year, according to the STR Report, which is based on data submitted by hotels to provide insight into the market and competition.

Industry sources predict five-star hotels will be running at 35 to 40 per cent occupancy this month.

Winter, though, remains worrying and is seen as a challenge.

Hilton Malta commercial director Julian Diacono acknowledged that while July was slow, August is so far better than expected, with the market a mix of the local and traditional from the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.

This month, occupancy has averaged between 30 and 60 per cent, Diacono said, attributing the days when it went up – nowhere near the usual 96 per cent at this time of the year – mainly to local bookings, possibly using the...