Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Focus Hotels Management Ltd has said it is in a strong position to support struggling hoteliers on the post-lockdown road to recovery after reporting a positive first quarter for 2022.
Despite the impact of Omicron, and the recent surge in Covid cases, Focus revealed it has met its budgeted EBITDA targets for the first quarter, with occupancy levels at 90% of those in 2019 – pre-pandemic – and in line with budgeted expectations.
Meanwhile, ADR was also ahead of expectations and more than 12% ahead of 2019.
Lynn Hood, Focus COO, said: “The Q1 results are very important as we prepare to navigate into more challenging trading; with the end of the reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector; the return of business rates; the headwind costs of energy, food prices and labour costs that we are all now facing.
“We are in the position to be able to step in to help hoteliers struggling with what is set to be a very challenging time and have a range of flexible services that can help add value to both top line revenue as well as improving profitability.ADR for Q1 certainly benefited from the VAT reduction, as well as the application of excellent revenue management.”
She added: “Food and beverage, and other retail sales – including spa and leisure – were also in line with budget and 2019 levels, which is encouraging.The challenges and time delays of international travel following the difficulties this Easter at airports, may further strengthen the staycation market.
“This sees Focus Hotels concentrating efforts on exceptional customer service in addition to delivering a number of refurbishment projects across the group to help enhance the customer journey and retain market share.”
