Ireland’s largest hotel group today reported trading as is being “marginally ahead” of expectations for the first quarter of 2018 as it confirmed UK expansion plans.
The outlook for the markets in which Dalata Hotel Group operates “remains positive”.
Chief executive, Pat McCann, said: “We will also continue to deliver on our promise of announcing 1,200 new rooms per year.
“Our development team are actively looking for new sites located in our 20 target cities across the United Kingdom.
“I am very excited about the quantity and quality of opportunities that are coming our way at present.”
The projections came as the company reported a 75% hike in pre-tax profits for the year to December 2017 to €77.3 million as revenue rose by 20% to €348.5 million year-on-year.
This came as occupancy clicked up to 83.1% with revenue per available room up by €8.31 to €88.51 based on an improved average room rate of €106.48.
The company opens the Maldron Hotel Belfast City on March 13 with forward bookings in line with expectations.
Maldron Hotel Kevin Street, Dublin and Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin are projected to open in June and November respectively. Maldron Hotel South Mall, Cork is due to open in December.
Maldron Hotel Newcastle is on track to open in early 2019.
Extensions at Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport (May), Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (June), Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge (August) and Maldron Hotel Parnell Square (December) are all under construction and due to open on time and within budget.
“Dalata continue to actively seek opportunities to expand our portfolio in Ireland and the UK,” the company said.
“We are confident that we will meet our goal of securing a further 1,200 rooms during 2018.
“We continue to be very encouraged by the reaction of developers and potential investors to the strength of our balance sheet covenant and operational expertise.”
McCann said: “The team at Dalata have delivered another year of strong earnings growth and met our target to announce 1,200 new rooms per year.
“I am very satisfied with the revamp of our brand websites in 2017. We reviewed and simplified the booking process for our customers making it easier and faster for our customers to book directly with us.
“The response to our launch of “Click on Clayton” is being very well received and up-take to date has been very positive.
“The roll out of “Make it Maldron” is currently underway.”