Hoteliers in the UK enjoyed a buoyant July with increases on both occupancy and rates, according to the latest figures from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.
The analysts said that in London, occupancy rose by 0.6% to 92.5%, compared with July 2010 while room rates increased by 6.1% to £163. This led to a 6.7% rise in rooms yield to £150.
PKF said figures for the UK regions were “steady” with room rate up 1.6% to £68.13, occupancy up by 1.8% to £79.3% and rooms rate up by 3.4% to £54. All are figures compared to July 2010.
Among the best regional performers was Manchester. The north west city saw its room rate rise by 2.6% to £67.37, its occupancy increase by 5.7% to 82.5% and its rooms move up 8.5% to £55.58.
Robert Barnard, a partner 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.”