UK hotels set for recovery

The UK hotel industry is expected to bounce back from this year's difficulties, according to a report from consultants at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

It says that while economic growth is forecast to slow from 3% in 2000 to 2.1% this year, it is expected to rise to 2.7% in 2002.

It adds that the fall in value of the British pound against the US dollar may also boost visitor figures next year.

PWC forecasts only a 0.1% decline in revenue per available room (revpar) in London this year, to £55.64.

The outlook was less optimistic for the provinces, where revpar is expected to fall by 0.8% to £43.76, its first decline since 1992.

But the decline is expected to be short-lived, with next year predicted to see a 3% revpar growth in both London and the provinces.