Scotland’s hotels experienced a double digit revenue increase during April, which was considerably ahead of the other parts of the UK, according to the latest report by accountants and business advisers, BDO LLP. The firm’s monthly hotel survey found that Scottish rooms yield rose by 10.0% in April compared to an increase of 5.6% in regional UK. Occupancy was up 5.3% in Scotland but increased 5.7% in regional UK. Aberdeen and Glasgow led the way with increases in revenue of 21.9% and 10.6% respectively. Edinburgh increased by 3.4% while Inverness rose 1.0%.
Occupancy was up 7.7% in Glasgow; increased by 2.6% in Aberdeen; up 1.8% in Edinburgh; but down 1.4% in Inverness. Alastair Rae, a partner in the Property, Leisure and Hospitality sector at BDO, said, “Aberdeen continues to soar ahead with revenue increasing 21.9% to £68.20 during April. This figure is the highest of anywhere outside London.” He continued, “The increase in revenue in Glasgow is extremely positive with the city’s outstanding conference activity paying dividends. It was recently reported that conferences have brought £1bn worth of business to the city over the last decade and the 10.6% increase in revenue and 7.7% rise in occupancy during April are both signs of the success of conferences for the prosperity of Glasgow’s hotel sector.”
He concluded, “These figures show quite a happy upturn for the hospitality sector after a tough year. This is, perhaps, a sign that there may be an improvement in the economy as consumers feel more comfortable with their financial situation. Hopefully the favourable exchange rate with the Euro will also be having an impact on the number of overseas visitors after depressed numbers in 2012. However, one swallow does not a summer make and it remains to be seen if this year provides the necessary prolonged improvement in performance for the sector.”
Double digit revenue increase for Scottish hotels during April
