Hotel and leisure giant Hilton Group has announced a 19 per cent increase in profits for the four-month period to 31 October 2004.

Revpar (revenue generated based on the total number of room nights available) was up at the group’s Hilton and Scandic brands, while its betting and gaming arm continued to see profit growth despite being hit by a spate of unexpected football results.

David Michels, chief executive, said: “It was inevitable some of the football results would go against us after a record first half in our betting arm, but it was encouraging to note that our hotels business continues to grow.”