…but buoyed by travellers from small business sector

The hotel industry is benefiting from resilient trade in the small business sector, according to a survey into business travel trends by travel and financial services company American Express.

More than half (54%) of the small business owners surveyed said that their need for hotel accommodation had increased over the past 12 months.

Two-thirds (65%) predicted a further increase in the year to come. Of those questioned, 40% said that they spent £200 a night for a hotel room, while 42% said that they spent as much as £125 a night on accommodation.

Hans Lindh, head of hotel and restaurant industry operations for American Express Establishment Services, said: "It's encouraging to see that, even during the months of tough trading that we've seen this year, owners of small companies are not only continuing to travel on business but are maintaining high standards of comfort."

More than 100 small business owners were questioned for the Business Travel Barometer survey.

For further information, see: www.americanexpress.co.uk.

London expects no improvement

London hotel managers don't expect business to improve before the end of the year, according to research by hospitality recruitment firm Chess Partnership.

That was one of the findings of a series of focus groups it hosted in April and May for senior managers of London hotels. More than 50 managers, from a variety of group and independent hotels, took part in the sessions. From the discussions, it emerged that average occupancy levels were lower than those of last year, and average room rates were below budget.

The hoteliers were not optimistic that the market would show any signs of improvement before the end of the year, but felt that the signs were stronger for 2004.

On the subject of the internet, it was felt that online bookings were becoming increasingly important. The internet was also seen to have helped combat the skills shortage and to have improved the overall calibre of applicants.