DEMAND for hotel rooms in Glasgow reached a record high last month.

A new report shows occupancy in the city averaged 88.5% in September - the best figure since monthly record began in 1999.

Tourism market research specialists LJ Forecaster found occupancy reached above 90% on 16 nights during the month.

The information comes from a survey of 22 city centre hotels.

It follows on the back of a strong August, when average occupancy in the city exceeded 90% for the first time.

The report also shows Glasgow's average occupancy between April and September was 84.1% - up 2.6% on the same period last year.

Sean Morgan, research director for LJ Research, said: "After a strong August, September was another encouraging month for hoteliers in Glasgow.

"In addition to growing volumes, hotels also benefited from high room revenues with average room rates in the city centre increasing 2.4% on September 2012."

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau said September's visitor influx can be attributed to a number of key events.

These include the BBC Proms in the Park at Glasgow Green, Scotland's World Cup qualifying match against Belgium and Rod Stewart's gigs at the new Hydro venue.

The Liberal Democrats' autumn party conference and the annual meeting of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia together brought 7000 delegates to the city.

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "It is testament to Glasgow's strength and appeal as a world-class visitor destination and as a host city for major events that our hotel industry and the wider tourism sector continues to flourish.

"This is welcome news for Glasgow hoteliers and will give continued confidence to those breaking ground on new developments in the city, including Premier Inn, De Vere Village and Travelodge."

Philip Mellor, general manager of the city's Menzies Hotel and co-chairman of the Greater Glasgow Hotels Association, said: "Members reported another great month last month - a record for September - which further serves to demonstrate the resilience of Glasgow's tourism sector.

"It also reinforces the city's position as a destination of choice for business and leisure visitors."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk