STR Global: UK hotels see demand increases

LONDON - The United Kingdom hotel industry reported positive results for hotel demand year-to-date July 2013; however, the average daily rate decreased over the same time period, according to data from STR Global.

In year-over-year comparisons, nationwide occupancy during the month grew by 6.4 percent to 82.3 percent, ADR decreased 6.2 percent to GBP83.40 and revenue per available room remained stable at GBP68.61, with only a 0.1-percent decrease.

In July, hotels in Regional U.K., which consists of the areas outside of London, experienced a 5.6-percent rise in occupancy to 80.7 percent, a 0.3-percent decrease in ADR to GBP62.44, and RevPAR grew 5.3 percent to GBP50.41.

London hotels during July saw an increase of 8.9 percent in occupancy to 87.7 percent, a 15.2-percent decrease in ADR to GBP143.13, and RevPAR dropped 7.6 percent to GBP125.55.

“London’s ADR decrease in July can be attributed to the shift of Ramadan and the absence of major events such as the Farnborough Airshow,” said Elizabeth Winkle, managing director of STR Global. “While the capital faced losses in July, it is good to see markets like Edinburgh coming back strong, similar to other Scottish markets. Edinburgh posted year-over-year RevPAR growth of 26.5 percent in July.”

During the first seven months of 2013, total U.K. has seen a 3.7-percent increase in occupancy to 73.6 percent, while ADR decreased 1.1 percent to GBP79.21, and RevPAR rose 2.5 percent to GBP58.28.

Year-to-date through July, London experienced a 4.5-percent increase in supply, but that was offset by a 7.0-percent increase in demand. Demand in the provinces is up 6.1 percent, and with limited supply increase of 2.0 percent, ADR remains flat.