The UK’s regional hotels achieved a year-on-year room rate rise in July – the first rise in 2010.
According to preliminary monthly figures released today by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services, room rate increased by 0.3% from £61.54 in 2009 to £61.70 this year – the first year on year increase seen so far this year for room rate in the regions.
Occupancy also rose, by 4.7% to 77.5%, and rooms yield was up by 5% to £47.81.
London hoteliers enjoyed an even better month.
Room rate was up 21.1% on the same time last year to £139.49.
Occupancy was also up, by 3.1% to 92.0%, which meant overall, rooms yield increased 24.9% in the capital to £128.35.
Robert Barnard, partner for hotel consultancy services at PKF, said: “The July figures for hoteliers across the UK are heartening. London continues to post positive results, as demand continues to strengthen compared to 2009.
“Meanwhile in the regions, the first year on year increase in room rate is obviously a positive sign. However, the autumn spending review due to be announced on 20 October could mean business travel is again affected. At the same time, I would expect the meetings incentive conference and events industry to start picking up again.”
By Bev Fearis
