Premier Inn, a standout performer for Whitbread

Over a 24-week period in 2008, Whitbread’s Premier Inn reported overall sales growth of 17.9% and 10.2% on a like-for-like basis. Alan Parker, Whitbread chief executive, said Premier Inn’s growth had been driven by 7.6% more rooms sold in its expanded estate, together with a 5.8% rise in revenue per available room (revPAR). ‘Strong demand has been maintained in the commercial market, as corporate buyers are increasingly attracted to Premier Inn’s value-for-money price and facilities,’ he said. During the reporting period, Premier Inn opened 14 hotels with 1,157 rooms and as a result remains on course to open more than 4,000 new rooms this year.