UK business travellers face rising hotel bills in eight out of 12 cities covered in a new global study.
Data covering the first nine weeks of 2009 by Hogg Robinson Group found that the exchange rate effect means UK corporates continue to be faced with increasing hotel rates in the majority of cities surveyed.
Among all key cities both in the UK and globally, rates fell faster in February demonstrating the deepening effects of the current downturn, according to HRG.
All key UK cities have recorded falling average rates for the period.
Moscow was the only city to record an average rate in February with an increase of 3%.
Dublin and Zurich recorded the highest rate decrease down by 21%.
Abu Dhabi takes number one position as the city with the highest average rate, continuing the growth seen throughout 2008
HRG global hotel relations director Margaret Bowler said: “We are in a year of change; this year is not about having a rate for 12 months, as this data set clearly demonstrates.
“The global hotel industry continues to find itself in uncertain times with average rates falling and occupancy declining.
“Corporate clients need to continually review and consolidate the number of suppliers they work with.”
by Phil Davies
