Scotland’s hotels enjoyed higher revenues and occupancy rates than the rest of the UK during November, but those dependent on the leisure market were less successful than business venues.
Average Scottish room revenues rose 6.8 per cent to £48.21, compared with UK growth of just 0.2 per cent to £42.84, according to accountancy firm PKF’s monthly survey of three- and four-star hotels.
But the figures revealed a mixed performance across the country, with occupancy of just 69.7 per cent in Edinburgh but 80.9 per cent in Glasgow.
Alastair Rae, a hospitality sector expert at PKF in Edinburgh, said: “Whilst the figures for occupancy and revenue in Scotland are positive compared to the rest of the UK, it is clear that some parts of the country are doing better than others.
“Glasgow experienced a substantial increase in revenue of 15.3 per cent which is, in part, attributable to the city hosting a major bi-annual HIV international conference, whilst Aberdeen continues to benefit from the active energy-related market.”
He said that with discretionary spending remaining tight, many people still unsure about their job security and consumers battered daily with bad news on the economy, hotels in tourist destinations such as Edinburgh and Inverness will find the going tough until the wider picture improves.