According to figures from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services, occupancy for hotels in the capital during July was up 0.6 per cent on the same month last year to 92.5 per cent. Room rate also increase by 6.1 per cent equating to an average revPAR rise of 6.7 per cent to £150.80.
Even in the regions, PKF report that occupancy rose 1.8 per cent to 79.3 per cent, with a 1.6 per cent increase in room rate responsible for a revPAR uplift of 3.4 per cent to £54.04.
Most of the UK’s major cities enjoyed increased growth, with revPAR up 8.5 per cent in Manchester to £55.58 and 0.6 per cent in Leeds to £46.30.
The results follow an equally successful month for hoteliers in June, when average revPAR in the capital and regions increased 15.9 per cent and 5.9 per cent on the same month last year.
Furthermore, separate figures released last week by TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats survey revealed room occupancy in London during July had reached its highest level on record at 92.4 per cent.
Summer’s end
However rioting across London and many other UK cities during August, coupled with a continued financial strain on consumers could see figures plummet for this month.
Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF, said: “Following the robust figures for hoteliers in June it is great to see continued, steady improvements for many hoteliers across the UK during July.
“The capital in particular has benefitted from the official summer season, and possibly some staycations, with tourists checking into London. Unfortunately the August figures may reflect a different picture as the riots which occurred during the month could have a negative impact on hotel bookings.
“Continuing uncertainty for the global economy may also be a factor which affects the figures for August, as well as the coming months, but it is too early to say for certain at this stage.”
Bucking the trend during July was Edinburgh, where occupancy fell 1.0 per cent compared to July 2010. Despite an increase in room rate of 0.4 per cent, revPAR declined marginally from £79.33 last year to £78.85.