Hotel growth picks up in April, says PKF

UK hoteliers recorded robust levels of year-on-year growth in April with both occupancy and room rates consistently high across the UK, according to latest figures from consultancy PKF.

The results contrast to March where the early Easter break meant a decline in business travellers compared to 2007.

In London, both room and occupancy saw significant increases, room rates jumped from £123.55 last year to £135.94 this year, an overall rise of 10%, while occupancy increased 4.1% in April 2007.

Overall, revenue per available room (revpar) rose of 14.6% from £97.67 last year to £111.91 this year.

Regional areas had an equally robust month also recording rises in both room rates and occupancy, occupancy was up 8.1% from 69.1% to 74.7% while room rate increased by 4.8%. Revpar increased by 13.2% on 2007's figures.

Leeds and Birmingham recorded two of the largest increases in revpar increasing by 28.4% and 27.6% respectively.

However, PKF warned that hotels will have to wait for May's results to see if growth is sustained.

Revpar falls by nearly 3% at London hotels >>

The Bench: London weekly hotel performance to 18 May, 2008 >>

Revpar grows by 21% at London hotels >>

By Gemma Sharkey

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