The hotel industry is beginning to see the first signs of recovery with figures for August revealing a slowdown in market decline, according to analyst firm
MKG Hospitality.
Occupancy rate in August reached nearly 72%, MKG’s figures reveal. Although this still represents a decrease of 4.7 percentage points compared to August 2008, the decline was less significant compared to year-on-year comparisons at the beginning of 2009.
Meanwhile, the rate of decline in average room rate and revenue per available room (revpar) also stabilised, reaching £74.70 and £53.70, respectively.
The major cities recorded the most promising occupancy rate performances, with London (82.4%), Cardiff (68.8%) and Manchester (70.8%) all posting lower decreases in August than in previous months.
Vanguelis Panayotis, director of development at MKG Hospitality, said: “These performance indicators have a long way to go before suggesting a recovery, but they are indeed a positive sign.
“The next few months however will be crucial in determining if the hotel cycle is spinning in the right direction.”
Michael Poynter, senior vice president and managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Wyndham Hotel Group, added: “While we have experienced declines over the past year, much like the rest of the industry, we’re finally beginning to see positive signs of recovery.
“Looking to the years ahead, hotel occupancy will continue to recover, however it will be some time before we reach previous levels.”
UK hotel performance on an upward path >> Hotels to benefit from decade of sports events >> UK hotel managers confident trade will rise >> Signs of hope despite tough start for hoteliers >> UK hotels have seen the worst of the recession, says report >> By Daniel Thomas
E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next hotel job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
| | Newsletters
For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters. | | |