UK hoteliers are still experiencing tough trading conditions, says hotel consultant, PKF.

Figures for June show the market has still failed to gain back the ground lost in June last year, said Melvin Gold, managing director: “Trading continues to be difficult and hoteliers are striving to achieve last year’s rates, with the focus continuing to be on occupancy growth.”

London hotels reported occupancy up 1.8 per cent to 78.9 per cent, but a 5.5 per cent drop in room rate to £100,18, left room yield trailing at £79.07, down 3.8 per cent on last year. “The capital has not even returned to 2001 trading levels,” said PKF.

Outside London, PKF says hoteliers fared a little better, seeing occupancy up 3.8 per cent to 73 per cent and room rate creeping up 0.7 per cent to £62.37, boosting rooms yield by 4.5 per cent to £45.72. But judging by last year’s figures, the consultancy says the regional hotel market reported rooms yield down 7.1 per cent; with the market not yet clawing back the losses of June 2002. Details: www.pkf.com