Scotland and Wales see a dip in hotel occupancies and revenue
Three- and four-star hotels in Scotland and Wales had a tougher time than their English counterparts during November 2011, according to accountants and business advisers PKF.
The firm's monthly survey found that year-on-year revenue fell by 7.3% in Scotland and was down 12.4% in Wales, while in England it was down 0.6%.
Meanwhile, occupancy was static in Wales, rose slightly (by 0.7%) in Scotland and was up 1% in England.
The Welsh numbers look disappointing because they're being compared with a strong autumn during 2010, when hotels benefited from the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Newport and four rugby internationals at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
"Increased visitor numbers resulting from Swansea City's promotion to the Premier League have provided a welcome boost for hotels in the area since the start of the football season last August, but they have not been sufficient to make up the lost ground," said Tim Smith, partner in charge at the Cardiff office of PKF.
In Scotland, both Edinburgh and Glasgow experienced falls in occupancy and room revenue in November 2011, while Aberdeen and Inverness fared better, with increases in occupancy and room revenues in both cities.
Alastair Rae, a partner in the real estate and hospitality sector at PKF, said: "The hotel sector in Scotland had a good 2011 until the end of October, despite the uncertainties in the economy. Indeed, Aberdeen and Inverness continue to perform well, with occupancy and revenue up in both cities, indicating the importance of, respectively, the oil price and staycationing.
"These figures show that the sector remains vulnerable to sharp reductions in occupancy and revenue which, with a damaged economy and fairly sensitive customer base, is a real risk. It is clear that the wider economy remains in the doldrums and, unfortunately, this will have its impact in the hospitality sector."
Overall, occupancy rates across the three home nations during November 2011 were: England 70.5%, Scotland 69.8% and Wales 68.7%; while room revenues were: England £43.09, Scotland £45.22 and Wales £37.89.
Scottish hotels outshone rest of UK in February >>
Regional hotels continue to face challenging times >>
London drives UK hotel recovery says PKF report >>
By Janet Harmer
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