BUMPER EASTER HERALDS BETTER PROSPECTS FOR TOURISM

BUMPER EASTER HERALDS BETTER PROSPECTS FOR TOURISM

Coming in the wake of three successive months when tourist arrivals fell below 1999 figures a Ministry of Tourism telephone survey conducted by Hotels and Catering Establishments Board shows that hoteliers are enjoying a bumper Easter season with even better prospects to follow.

Incoming travel agents report good business over Easter and from this month onwards, SMS Chairman Neville Mifsud says that most hotels are fully booked and that it is very difficult to find an adequate supply of coaches and tour guides. Tour specialists Maltarama confirm that business for 2000 is on a par with 1999 levels while they expect April results to be better due to Easter falling late this year.

Thomson Holidays' Gianfranco Selvagi reports a good out turn for February and March, an even better April and adds that "barring unexpected hiccups should the same positive trend continue Thomson could even register an 8000 visitor increase over 1999 figures." Arrigo Group's Joe Bondin says that his company's first quarter results show increases in the number of British and Dutch tourists while German tourism maintained 1999 levels, and emphasises that "Advertising on British TV helped a lot but I do not see a marked increase in 2000."

Edrichton Holidays' Louis Tabone reports less UK visitors than last year due to the lower air seat capacity floated but adds that Malta is currently selling well and that July to September results should be very good. French market specialist RAS Chairman and MD, Robert Arrigo, also complained about the lack of airline capacity. "April will show an increase but it is too early to forecast what will happen by the end of the year".

A good cross section of hoteliers were asked to compare 2000 first quarter results with their January – March 1999 out turn. Most Five Star properties reported lower first quarter occupancy levels blaming a disastrous beginning to the Millennium year and a late Easter as the main reasons for the downturn. On the other hand Four Star properties which registered lower occupancy levels when compared to 1999, attribute loss of business to a lesser number of UK visitors.

 Central Office of Statistics' 20^th April News Release estimates the overall drop at 13,265 visitors, namely 6.8% less than the relative quarter last year. During the same period the British market fell by 13,759 and the main reason for the overall decline is attributed to the continued reduction of major tour operators' programmes to Malta. Most other markets are either on an upward curve on maintaining 1999 levels.

First Class tourist complexes and Three Star hotels, very popular with British tourists, report a mixed start to the year. Those hosting a more varied nationality clientele have done better than those who predominantly host UK guests.

In the main Gozo hotels, although reporting lower first quarter occupancies, reflect the improved fortunes for April and beyond of similar establishments in Malta.

When asked about April performance the vast majority reported good to excellent occupancy levels. As the year picks up while Five Star Hotels forecast good increases in occupancy, the Four Star Hotels and First Class Complexes are more up-beat about their prospects.

After a slow start due to a lower number of UK visitors, the Island Hotels Group, owner operators of the Coastline and Bugibba Holiday Complex, report 100% occupancy for May and June. Corinthia Groups' Marina, Robert Arrigo & Sons' President Hotel, The Seabank in Mellieha, following its worst winter, and The Preluna in Sliema and Tumas Group's New Dolmen and Topaz all report 90% and over in confirmed bookings for the coming months.

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Chairman, Joseph Preca, who puts the overall decrease down to lesser UK visitors, expects a 5% increase over 1999 levels as the year progresses. The Mellieha Bay Hotel, which in 1999 had a superior guaranteed contract with Thomson Holidays and did not fare as well during the first quarter of 2000, holds confirmed bookings for April at 80% while following months already show over 75%. Three Star properties are expected to fill up well especially during the high season.