Scottish hotels outshone rest of UK in February

Scotland's hotel sector outshone the rest of the UK in February with increases in both occupancy rates and rooms yield, while Wales suffered a considerable drop in revenue, a monthly study has revealed.

Occupancy levels in Scotland rose by 1.5% in February compared with February 2010, but were down by 1.7% in England and 4.8% in Wales, the survey by accountants and business advisers PKF found.

Regional figures revealed occupancy rates in Aberdeen soared by more than 8%, while revenue was up by more than 6%. Glasgow saw occupancy and revenue increase by almost 1%. However, occupancy levels in Edinburgh fell by 0.4% but revenue increased by 2.6%.

Meanwhile, rooms yield (revenue) in Scotland rose by 2.8% on the same period the year before. This was up 0.4% in England, but Wales suffered a staggering drop in revenue of 8%, the survey showed.

Across the price ranges the budget sector continues to be the hardest hit with both occupancy and rooms yield falling for pricing below £50.

Alastair Rae, a partner in the Real Estate and Hospitality sector at PKF, described the results as "another positive month for the Scottish hotel sector."

He added: "The outlook for 2011 remains relatively good despite the rather choppy economic waters which the country is currently going through. GDP may be up and down, and retail figures may be equally uncertain but the hospitality sector appears to be riding the storm better than expected."

Hotel brands: marketing to a new generation >>

UEFA Champions League final boosts London hotel bookings >>

By Helen Gilbert

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 job here with Caterersearch.com jobs