Hoteliers fail to cash in at Christmas despite rise in occupancy
WELSH hoteliers were unable to cash in on the December festivities despite higher occupancy levels according to latest monthly figures from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.
In Wales, the data for December showed a marginal 0.7% increase in occupancy from 59.8% in 2008 to 60.2% in 2009.
However, the average room rate fell by 9.8% from £62.80 in 2008 to £56.65 in 2009 resulting in an overall 9.2% fall in rooms yield from £37.55 in 2008 to £34.10 in 2009.
The picture for December was mirrored in the Welsh capital with occupancy up by 6.4% from 63.85 in 2008 to 67.9% in 2009. However, average room rates fell by 8.4% from £73.22 in 2008 to £67.07 in 2009. Rooms yield for Cardiff decreased by 2.6% from £46.74 in 2008 to £45.54 in 2009.
Room rate for the year to date in December in Wales was down 5.7%, from £64.02 to £60.04, while occupancy was down 3.5% from 72.8% to 70.2% and rooms yield fell 9.0% from £45.59.24 to £42.40.
In Cardiff, the year to date figures show that room rate is down 6.0% from £76.41 to £71.85, occupancy has risen by 1.0% from 74.9% to 75.7% and rooms yield is down 5.0% from £57.25 to £54.39.
Overall, the year has been tough for regional UK hoteliers. Occupancy was d