HOTEL occupancy in Glasgow reached its highest level since monthly record keeping began in 1999, according to a survey, writes Scott Wright.

Major concerts at the SSE Hydro, the Glasgow Loves Christmas festive campaign and the Glasgow World Cup gymnastics championships were cited as key factors as occupancy averaged 71% during the month, up 6% on December 2012.

With occupancy having averaged 62% in December 2005, the LJ Forecaster report, which compiles the survey on data from 23 hotels, said last month's figures highlighted the growth in the industry over the past decade. It found that occupancy came in at 60% or more on six separate nights last month, peaking at 97% on December 7.

But the report noted the high occupancy came at the expense of average room rates, which fell 5.3% to £61.22 compared with December 2012.

The decline was attributed to fewer business travellers coming to the city.