Manchester’s hotels defy gloom with growth in hotel occupancy

Hotel occupancy in Manchester city centre increased to an annual average of 75% in 2011 compared to 71% in 2010 according the latest data supplied to Visit Manchester.

Assisted by record high monthly occupancy in June and July and the previously reported highest weekend monthly occupancy recorded in October, the release of December's hotel occupancy data completes the picture for 2011 showing a strong year for Manchester's hotels sector despite a difficult trading environment.

The December data also reports an increase in the annual average occupancy for the sub-region of Greater Manchester, which is up to 74% from 69% in 2010.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: "It's fantastic to see that the hotel sector in Manchester has picked up in 2011 - the last time Manchester had 75% average annual occupancy was in 2005 and that was followed by our best year since records began with 77% in 2006."

"Manchester's events calendar is a big driver in terms of demand for accommodation in the city and looking ahead we're in for a busy year on both the leisure and business front. Add special events such the Olympic Football at Old Trafford and The Stone Roses at Heaton Park into the mix and we're hopeful that Manchester can get back to 2006 occupancy levels in 2012."

Theatre productions and concerts are a key contributor to Manchester's nightlife economy.

Howard Panter, Joint CEO & Creative Director of the Ambassador Theatre Group, owners of the Manchester Palace Theatre and Opera House added: "It's great to hear that Manchester's big cultural events are driving visitors into the city centre.

"Last year, the Palace and Opera House welcomed almost 700,000 people through the doors - a 25% increase on the previous year and huge numbers travel from outside the immediate catchment area contributing to the success of Manchester's hoteliers, restaurants and evening trade.

"ATG enjoyed a phenomenal 2011 and we hope to continue this trend in 2012 with world exclusives of All New People starring Zach Braff, the new 'Austin Powers' style musical Monkee Business and major productions such as Phantom of the Opera and American Idiot."

Manchester city centre will increase its hotel bed stock in the coming years with a Premier Inn in Piccadilly, Innside Hotel by Melia Hotels International as part of the First Street project and an Etap Hotel in New Islington.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Manchester welcomes more than 800,000 international visitors each year. The city's tourism industry generates £5.5 billion a year for the local economy and supports 75,000 full time equivalent jobs.

Hotel occupancy in Greater Manchester is measured through the STR Global occupancy tool.