Hilton predicts three-year recovery

The recovery in the hotel sector shows no sign of abating and will probably last for three years, hotel group Hilton predicted today.

In a trading statement to the London Stock Exchange, the chain said group profit had risen by 19% in the four months to 31 October, although its betting operation had suffered.

Hotel revenue per available room (revpar) had risen around the globe, with all regions reporting increased profitability.

Total hotels revpar grew by 2.3% in October, following growth of 4.9% in September, 3.5% in August and 7.8% in July.

In the UK, year-on-year revpar was up by 1.5% in October, 6.6% in September, 4.5% in August and 9.4% in July.

London was the best performer, with growth of 4.2% in October, 8.9% in September, 5.9% in August and 15% in July.

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Michels: "encouraging growth"

In the provinces revpar declined by 1.4% in October, but this followed increases of 4.4%, 3.1% and 4.1% in the three months before that. The Hilton chain as a whole reported revpar growth of 2.4% in October, 6.1% in September, 4.2% in August and 8.5% in July. Group chief executive David Michels said: "It is encouraging to note that hotels continue to grow, through what we believe will be a three-year recovery period." by Nic Paton Buy this week's *Caterer* magazine for more industry news and analysis