The recent fluctuation of the British pound on the currency market exchange is an early indicator of the overall impact that Brexit could have on the overall economy—which would filter down to the hotel industry.
The United Kingdom’s hotel industry is in the midst of 30 consecutive months of moving average revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) growth. STR and forecast partner, Tourism Economics, believe that the industry could face strong headwinds for future growth.
Brexit most likely would have some impact on current hotel performance in the U.K.
London and Regional U.K. hotels have experienced the longest 12-month moving average period of RevPAR growth since January 2007, albeit growth has slowed recently. Figures for May 2016 show that while London’s monthly performance has been positive, its year-to-date May RevPAR was down 3.0% to GBP99.88, driven by a 2.7% decline in occupancy levels. On the other hand, Regional U.K. witnessed an increase in RevPAR of 2.2% to GBP46.87, as a 2.9% increase in average daily rate (ADR) offset the 0.6% decline in occupancy.
London and Regional U.K. hotels have experienced the longest 12-month moving average period of RevPAR growth since January 2007, albeit growth has slowed recently. Figures for May 2016 show that while London’s monthly performance has been positive, its year-to-date May RevPAR was down 3.0% to GBP99.88, driven by a 2.7% decline in occupancy levels. On the other hand, Regional U.K. witnessed an increase in RevPAR of 2.2% to GBP46.87, as a 2.9% increase in average daily rate (ADR) offset the 0.6% decline in occupancy.
Short-term impact
STR concurs with Oxford Economics’ belief that it will be negative for London’s hotel industry, although the depth of the negativity is difficult to gauge. Weaker domestic hotel demand, in line with weaker GDP, consumer spend and higher unemployment can be expected.
Larger falls would be expected in capital investment, including hotel investment, because of the ensuing uncertain business environment of Brexit. That would affect business travel, which is a large component of the London hotel market.
On the other hand, the sharp drop in currency exchange rates would make London more affordable to some extent. It is possible that this would be enough to offset the negative impact from weaker domestic demand. A smooth transition and a continued perception of London as a positive place to visit and do business could accentuate positive price effects.
Long-term impact
While Oxford Economics predicts that the longer term impact on overall domestic economic activity will be negative, there is a potential positive impact for the hotel industry, due to increased affordability of the U.K. and London as a destination, derived from a weaker exchange rate. However, some uncertainty is likely to remain, not least from the potential long-run impact of lower investment, which would continue to affect business-travel decisions
