Dalata Hotel Group experiences 14% earnings boost as group moves into UK market

Dalata Hotel Group has experienced a boost to adjusted earnings of 14% in 2018 after a strong year of trade for the Irish operator.

Dalata, which is carving out a prominent foothold in the UK market, valued the year's revenue growth at £340m, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at £103m.

Revenue per available room picked up too, increasing by 4.7% to an average of £81.31. More than 1,150 rooms were opened across the period, including four new Maldron hotels in Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Newcastle. Hotels in the pipeline include sites in Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham.

Dalata Group chief executive Pat McCann said: "I am delighted to report that 2018 was another year of record earnings growth with adjusted EBITDA increasing 14% to €119.6m (£103m) and adjusted basic earnings per share increasing 11.7% to 42.8 cent (36.9p).

"As I reflect on 2018, I am very pleased with our performance and achievements, which required a tremendous amount of hard work. Together, we opened over 1,150 new rooms, executed valuable deals and delivered a strong operating performance.

"These results embody the innovative and ambitious spirit of our people at Dalata and their dedication to excel at everything they do."