Tourist blow for hoteliers

12 April 2012

LONDON'S HOTELS and tourist industry face a lean summer despite increased efforts by the British Tourist Authority and events such as the Queen's golden jubilee. A survey for the London Evening Standard's Business Day section of leading hotels found few willing to discuss current occupancy rates - a hint that they are not as full as they hoped to be.

It also appears to confirm talk that although there has been some recovery in tourism since the 11 September terrorist attacks on the US, it has not been as dramatic as hoteliers had hoped. Of the hotels that would give details, many said occupancy rates are lower than a year ago when figures were depressed by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Overseas tourists spent £10.8bn last year against £13bn the year before.

However, the Savoy Group, which relies greatly on American visitors, said it was looking at near-100% occupancy for the summer, while the Ritz claimed to be fully booked.

Big hotel chains face a tougher time. A spokeswoman for Hilton Hotels said: 'Bookings are lower than we would like but this was to expected. We see signs of them picking up during the year.'

US-owned hotels, such as the Marriott County Hall, said they had been hit by the global uncertainties and the continuing reluctance of many Americans to travel outside their country.

The Government launched a tourism promotion campaign in March, aimed at capitalising on the Queen's jubilee celebrations as a once-in-a-lifetime attraction. Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has claimed that the biggest campaign to promote tourism has paid dividends. However, hopes of adding a million visitors to the annual total may not be fulfilled.

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