Mixed fortunes for UK hoteliers

24th May 2010, 9:14am

London hotel occupancy suffered in April as the ash cloud prevented visitors from travelling to the capital, according to figures released by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.

The regions fared slightly better on the occupancy front, but overall rooms yield was down as hoteliers reduced rates to tempt those stranded to stay on with them.

In the capital, occupancy was down 7.6% from 82.5% last April to 76.3% this April. This is quite a sharp decline and suggests many London hotels lost out from bookings falling through as a result of the ash cloud.

In the regions the picture was slightly different. Occupancy was up by 1.7% from 66.9% to 68.1%, room rate was down 3.6% to £58.11 while rooms yield dropped by 2.0%, compared to the same time last year, to £39.54.

Increases in occupancy were seen in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham which means these hotels benefited slightly from those stranded at these airports last minute. The increases also partly reflect recovery from the downturn in 2009; occupancy in Birmingham increased by 4.0% to 67.8%, room rate increased by 5.6% to £61.03 and rooms yield increased by 9.8% to £41.36.
 
In Manchester, occupancy increased by 2.3% to 73.1%, room rate decreased slightly, by 0.7% to £74.39, and rooms yield increased by 1.6% to £54.37.
 
Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF, commented: "As expected, the ash cloud impact was both positive and negative for hoteliers. Overall, the effects have not been too dramatic with the capital suffering the most. The year to date figures for London remain positive however, rooms yield is up 7.8% on the same period last year.
 
"Hopefully the negative impact will be short lived, however as the volcano continues to erupt, there is still a great deal of uncertainty for hoteliers and travellers."

Related Articles:

• 23 Jun 2011 - PKF figures report strong hotel performance in May
• 31 Jan 2011 - Snow disruption affects UK hoteliers, says PKF
• 10 Jan 2011 - Strong figures for London hoteliers in November, finds PKF
• 22 Nov 2010 - Hoteliers post mix bag of results for October
• 01 Nov 2010 - Strong September for hoteliers across the UK, says PKF
• 29 Sep 2010 - UK hoteliers achieve healthy August, says PKF
• 25 Aug 2010 - London hoteliers achieve strong July figures
• 21 Jun 2010 - Positive outlook for UK hoteliers in May
• 26 Apr 2010 - Volcanic ash cloud puts pressure on UK hoteliers
• 01 Apr 2010 - UK hoteliers survive difficult 2009
• 22 Mar 2010 - London hoteliers achieve healthy growth
• 25 Jan 2010 - Hoteliers cash in on December festivities
• 26 Oct 2009 - London hoteliers continue to fill rooms
• 24 Aug 2009 - Summer holiday season worrying for hoteliers
• 28 May 2009 - Regional hotels experience fall in room rates
• 20 Apr 2009 - Further falls for UK hoteliers
• 26 Mar 2009 - Tough times predicted for UK hotel industry
• 26 Jan 2009 - UK hotel room rates continue to decline
• 16 Dec 2008 - UK hoteliers continue to feel pinch
• 10 Nov 2008 - How hoteliers can survive the market
• 24 Sep 2008 - UK hotels steady despite gloomy August

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