Hotel results show solid September

Hotels across the North West posted a decent set of figures for September, according to research by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.

Thanks to the Labour Party Annual Conference, rooms yield in Liverpool increased by a healthy 6.7% to £56.29, compared with £52.75 in September 2010, due to a 6.5% rise in room rate to £73.58. Occupancy rose by 0.2% from 76.3% a year ago to 76.5%.

The late spell of good weather helped hoteliers in Blackpool to grow room yields by 2.7% from £48.05 to £49.37, with a 5.5% increase in occupancy more than off-setting a 2.7% decline in room rate from £60.62 to £59.05. This is the second consecutive month of improved figures for the seaside town.

Chester also held its own with an increased room yield of 0.9% to £53.31. An increase in room occupancy of 2% to 78.6% helped cancel out a 1.1% decline in room rate.

After a strong August, Manchester posted disappointing results in September. Despite occupancy being up 0.6% to 79.9%, room rate fell 6.4% to £72.55 resulting in a room yield decline of 5.9% from £61.58 to £57.97. However, these results can be offset by the boost that last year's Labour Conference gave the city in September. Manchester played host to this year's Conservative Party Conference in October and this should be reflected in next month's results.

Mark Sykes, partner at PKF, said: "With much of the economy seemingly struggling to keep its head above water, a steady performance from the hotel sector is undoubtedly good news.

"During the final quarter of the year, the industry will need to assess how best to respond to growing concerns about the health of the economy, the uncertain future of the Eurozone, and declining consumer and business confidence both at home and abroad. Skilful revenue management is likely to be essential if hotels are to maintain the same high level of performance that we've seen thus far."