PrideInn Hotels has recorded high tourist bookings ahead of the festive season on the back of improved infrastructure following the launch of the standard gauge railway (SGR).
Managing director Hasnain Noorani said the hotel has recorded an 80 per cent growth in bed occupancy up from about 35 per cent in June.
Mr Noorari said the launch of the SGR passenger services had boosted the hotel industry at the Coast.
“Weekends can now be literary planned on a Friday and one can be assured of returning to their destinations by Sunday either by SGR or by air where we now have more operators with competitive rates. This has significantly increased weekend occupancy rates,” he said.
Hotel bed occupancy at the Coast was hit by fears over the August 8 General Election with most hotels in the region recording a bed occupancy of between 40-50 per cent.
This was lower than the normal 60-70 per cent during the high season that usually starts in mid-July and ends in March.