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Manchester’s city centre hotel industry is in strong health with August occupancy levels now outperforming those reached in 2006 and 2007, according to new data.
The research, which was carried out by STR Global and sampled 26 hotels in Manchester city centre and 67 in Greater Manchester, found that in the first eight months of 2014 the city centre had an average occupancy rate of 76% – a figure previously unmatched at this point in the year since records began.
The research found that this figure had been sustained by record weekday rates (75% average to September) and strong performing weekend rates (81% average to September).
The achievement comes at a time when the city centre is preparing for the creation of an additional 2,100 rooms – extending to 2,700 in Greater Manchester – with new developments from at least six operators who are investing in the area for the first time.
Andrew Stokes, chief executive at Marketing Manchester, said: “We are thrilled with the latest hotel occupancy data which indicates a significant achievement for our hotel and tourism industry. Current demand means that we are now exceeding the rates experienced in pre-recession years, but we are also in the cusp of a dramatic increase in supply to meet this.
“The challenge will now be to make the most of this opportunity for further growth and to sustain occupancy figures as room numbers increase.”
