But predictions for occupancy and rates mixed
UK hotel general managers are feeling more confident, a survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting has revealed.
The Hotel Confidence Monitor showed that 61% of respondents, drawn from among the nation's general managers, are either optimistic or very optimistic about their hotel's trading performance.
The results also show more confidence than three months ago, with 50% saying they are more optimistic than they were in the summer.
Some 55% expect their operating profit to be maintained or increased over the current quarter.
But the predictions for occupancy and rates are mixed.
The survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting revealed that 76% of UK hotel general managers expect their average room rates for the final three months of the year to be below 2008 prices, with 36% predicting a lag of more than five points.
The survey was completed this month by more than 100 general managers from chain hotels in the UK.
A quarter of respondents said they did not think average room rates during the final three months of 2009 would decline.
RevPAR (revenue per available room) expectations have risen, with 33% of respondents predicting either growth or no change during the current quarter compared to Q4 2008.
David Bailey, deputy managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting, said: "Occupancy and average room rate expectations have continued to improve since January, ending 2009 with more optimism and improved confidence."
www.trihospitality.com