Hotel numbers across Wales up for first five months of 2015

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-33612025

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Occupancy rates in hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering units have risen in the first five months of the year.

The Wales Occupancy Survey figures showed hotels had the smallest rise with 61% of rooms being filled compared to 60% over the same period in 2014.

Guesthouses and B&Bs were up 3% to 29% while self-catering units were up 4% to 46% occupancy.

Mid Wales saw the biggest regional rises except for its hotels.

Deputy tourism minister Ken Skates said tourism is in a "strong position".

"Following a record-breaking year in 2014 we are working with the industry to sustain these excellent figures," he added.

Prof Annette Pritchard, director of the Welsh Centre for Tourism Research at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said while the figures may not appear high, this time of year never sells out and Wales relies on its peak period of the summer months.

Of the figures, she said: "They suggest the industry is performing strongly as last year was a very good year and results suggests a comparable picture for the first part of this year. The self catering picture looks even stronger.

"The summer period is key for Welsh tourism and these indicators are positive."