UK hotel managers are more optimistic

27th April 2009, 11:28am

More UK chain hotel general managers are positive about trading at their hotels in the current quarter than they were during the first three months of the year, according to the latest confidence monitor from TRI Hospitality Consulting.

Of the 118 general managers who responded to the survey, 39% were optimistic or very optimistic about their performance in the second quarter compared to 29% when asked about trading in the first quarter.

When the TRI Confidence Monitor was conducted in January, only 16% felt more optimistic than three months earlier.

"These are tentative signs that confidence levels are rising as operators adapt and get to grips with the recession and also find themselves three months nearer to recovery," said David Bailey, deputy managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting.

Further research found that almost seven out of 10 respondents said they had increased or maintained their marketing budget for 2009.

Nearly three quarters of respondents said they had decreased staffing levels during the first quarter of the year. There are signs, however, that the bulk of staffing cuts have now been made. The proportion who intend to maintain or increase staffing levels is now higher (75 per cent) compared to the results of our confidence monitor three months ago (54 per cent).

Bailey continued: "Although the UK hotel industry has now dropped some way from its trading peak in 2007 and most of 2008, it would be wrong to conclude that all operators are suffering to the same extent.

"Recessionary conditions create winners and losers, and there is a small but significant proportion of operators who still expect to achieve occupancy and revenue growth in the current climate."

Related Articles:

• 28 Jan 2010 - London hotels enjoy strong double digit boost to profitability during December
• 26 Nov 2009 - The London hotel market records second highest occupancy performance in 2009
• 11 Nov 2009 - Confidence amongst UK hotel general managers at a high
• 02 Nov 2009 - London hoteliers lead the way
• 30 Oct 2009 - The latest issue of London Hotel Development Monitor now available
• 28 Oct 2009 - London hoteliers boost profits
• 01 Oct 2009 - European hotels experience a weak August
• 28 Sep 2009 - Holiday makers boost occupancy levels for UK hotels
• 26 Aug 2009 - London Hotel occupancy exceeds 2008 levels
• 18 Aug 2009 - UK hotel general managers remain positive
• 28 Jul 2009 - Occupancy levels hold up at London hotels
• 25 Jun 2009 - Recession has less impact on UK hotels
• 22 May 2009 - London occupancy stays above 80%
• 28 Apr 2009 - Lower hotel room rates keep occupancy high
• 24 Apr 2009 - UK hotels experience heavy falls in profit
• 25 Mar 2009 - Profit down by 17% at London hotels
• 03 Mar 2009 - Hotel's revenue and profit continues to fall
• 25 Feb 2009 - Hotel profits fall by almost one third
• 28 Jan 2009 - 64% of hotel managers concerned for 2009
• 28 Jan 2009 - Flat profit at London hotels
• 27 Nov 2008 - UK hotel profits fall by 9%
• 24 Oct 2008 - London hotels hit by credit crisis
• 10 Jun 2008 - UK hotels continue to rise in room rates
• 04 Mar 2008 - London hotels achieve profit increase
• 27 Feb 2008 - TRI wins Advisor of the Year title

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