UK and Europe experience occupancy decline and room rate increases in 2016
Hotel performance in the UK during 2016 closely mirrored that of Europe, with a slight decline in occupancy and minimal increase in room rates, according to new figures released from data company STR.
UK occupancy figures during the year decreased by 0.2% to 77.2%, while occupancy across Europe was down 0.6% to 70.4%.
Meanwhile, average daily rate and revenue per available room in the UK increased by 1.6% to £89.21 and by 1.4% to £68.88. In Europe, average daily rate and revenue per available room grew by 1.5% to €111.77 (£95.39) and by 2.1% to €78.64 (£67.11).
STR said that UK hotels experienced steady demand growth during the second half of 2016, but a 2% year-on-year increase in supply led to the marginal occupancy decline for the year.
London recorded 6.9% growth in occupancy in December, as the devaluation in the pound enticed more travellers to the city from North America and Europe.
For 2017, STR and forecast partner, Tourism Economics, project that staycations will boost hotel performance across the UK, as travelling abroad has become more expensive due to the fall in sterling.
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