In December, hotel occupancy in Scotland reached pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
The latest RSM Hotel Tracker analyses data provided by Hotstats and shows that the occupancy rate in December 2019 was 672% and 67 in the last month of 20231%。
During the festive season, hoteliers can increase their **, and the average daily rate (ADR) for occupied rooms in Scotland is from 109£43 (November) rose to £129£69 (December). Scotland's ADR is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels (93 in December 2019.)£28), which is also higher than the December 2022 level (117.).£48).
Revenue per available room (Revpar) in Scotland starts from 80£53 (November) increased to 87£05 (December). Scotland total operating profit also increased from 22 November3% rose to 25 in December8%, while in the UK they remained the same, dropping slightly from 35% to 349%。
Stuart McCallum, Partner and Head of Consumer Markets at RSM UK Scotland, said: "Businesses were able to make the most of the festive period without having to deal with the challenges of train strikes and pandemic restrictions as they had in previous years. ”
With the Christmas party season in full swing, occupancy rates remained strong and eventually reached pre-pandemic numbers, suggesting that the situation has changed for hoteliers and Christmas celebrations are back to normal levels.
Average daily house prices are 20% above pre-pandemic levels**, which also shows how Scotland is holding itself and keeping it in line with the rest of the UK. ”
He added: "The New Year's celebrations are likely to further boost occupancy, average daily rates and profits in December and January, meaning Scottish hoteliers will be in a strong position from 2024 onwards." ”
Thomas Pugh, economist at RSM UK, commented: "The resilience of the hospitality sector raises some hope that the UK economy managed to avoid a recession at the end of last year.
Looking ahead, the first six months of the year are likely to remain difficult as high interest rates weigh on growth and inflation remains well above target.
However, the second half of the year looks brighter – inflation could fall to 2around 5%, which will allow the Bank of England to start cutting interest rates. ”
At the same time, real income growth will continue to rise, and there is a good chance that further tax cuts will be made in March – all of which means more consumer spending, which will be good for tourism and hospitality. ”