Johannesburg — The latest tourism accommodation figures released by Statistics SA yesterday show the hospitality industry remains robust in turbulent conditions.

The number of bed nights sold during December increased 4,7% over the same month in 2007 to 1,798-million, while in the fourth quarter bed nights sold rose 0,8% to 5,31-million compared to the last quarter of 2007.

While occupancies in December rose modestly from 52,1% in December 2007 to 53,9% last year, the average room rate climbed at a much faster pace, up 8,9% to R630,10 year on year, boosting overall income from accommodation 14,1% to R1,133bn.

However, December's figures -- the peak holiday season -- were off the highs achieved in October last year when average occupancy was 54,8% and the average room rate achieved was R687,80, resulting in overall income of R1,252bn.

In the past few years several new hotel operators have entered the South African market while the established players have continued to expand their portfolios.

This increase was evident in the figures released yesterday, with the total number of hotel rooms rising 2,5% to 58200 rooms from 56700 rooms available in December 2007.

This pushed overall capacity -- including hotels, camping sites and guesthouses -- 1,2% higher to 107700, compared with 106400 in 2007.

Joop Demes, CEO of Pam Golding Hospitality, said yesterday that the figures were testament to the strength of the South African market, with revenue per available room climbing despite an increase in the number of available hotel rooms.