CI Traders, the former owner of the Blubeckers restaurant chain, said a strong performance at its pubs and restaurants had not off-set weaker trading at its hotels.

In a trading update today, the Channel Island-based group said its hospitality division had generated turnover growth of 4.4% in the 21 weeks to 24 December 2005.

This saw like-for-like sales increase 2.2% in the period, with a strong performance at its Jersey pubs and restaurants offset by declining bookings at its Guernsey hotels.

CI Traders added that its St Pierre Park hotel in Guernsey had been particularly badly hit due to uncertainty over the property’s future.

Overall, its hospitality division’s trading profit is ahead of last year, thanks to a reduction in administration costs and the improved performance of its businesses in Jersey.

By Chris Druce

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