Mixed fortunes for North West’s hotels

DEMAND for hotels in Manchester was up by 3% in February, with Occupancy rates climbing to 75.7%, according to new figures from accountants PKF.

Hoteliers in Blackpool also reported an increase in demand, with occupancy rates climbing 1.3% to 52.7%. However, demand in Liverpool and Chester witnessed marked drops in year-on-year figures.

In Liverpool, occupancy rates dropped by 5.8% to £63.7%, although room rates increased slightly to £65.84. In Chester, occupancy rates dropped by 5.4% to 56.9% and room rates fell by 9% to £52.81.

Mark Sykes, partner at PKF, commented: “The hotel market is still somewhat turbulent in the North West with some months seeing an improvement on the previous year’s results whilst others show a decline.

“This underlines the dependence the regions have on the MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Events) market, which remains largely subdued at present. Unfortunately, there is little to suggest that the situation will improve anytime in the foreseeable future.”