Hotels across the Middle East and Africa have been advised to close their doors during the month of June, with Ramadan causing occupancy to plummet to 48 per cent.

The advice from Hotstats follows figures in its in its Middle East and Northern Africa report, come as it reveals occupancy fell 15.7 per cent from the rolling average of 63.6 per cent in the 12 months to June 2017. Divided in to markets, occupancy was recorded at 51 per cent at Abu Dhabi, 42.1 per cent in Doha and just 35.5 per cent in Kuwait.

Pablo Alonso, CEO of HotStats, said: "The 30 days of Ramadan ran from late May to late June this year and severely impacted trading in some major markets this month. In addition to impacting commercial demand levels, the Muslim holy month also hit leisure demand, as inbound visitors are reluctant to travel to destinations observing Ramadan as there is doubt about what will actually be open."

Alonso added: "Arguably, some hotels in the Middle East would be better off closing their doors for the month of June to save the losses. For others, being a destination for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of Ramadan, presents a fantastic opportunity to drive top and bottom line performance."

While the majority of hotels in the region suffered declines for the month, Sharm El Sheikh's performance levels increased by "significant levels" as it benefited from a surge in tourism. It saw a 13.8 per cent increase in occupancy to 30.1 per cent.