MOST hoteliers are optimistic that their year-end figures will be more favourable than 1998, according to a survey within the industry.
The BDO Hospitality Consulting survey asked 100 hoteliers across Britain about business during the first half of 1999 and found 60% had received better average room rates this year than the first six months of 1998 and 50% had experienced a revenue increase of more than 10% for the same period. However, the outlook was not bright for everyone with 39% of hoteliers reporting revenue was down this year compared to last.
The survey found a third of hotels did not plan to increase room rates at present and a quarter did not plan it within the next three to six months. Of those who do plan to up rates, almost all only had a maximum of 5% in mind.