August, a reflection of an excellent year

The results of the month of August are perfectly in keeping with the trend observed over the last twelve months. In fact, the monthly results are quite similar to the trend and remain decidedly favorable to European hoteliers. Last August, the revenue per available room progressed by 7.8% while the trend over twelve cumulated months is 7.5%. The same observation may be made for upscale hotels, which post the same results for August as over the last twelve months (+8.0%). This category re-mains the best performing among Europe’s hotels. Last August, thanks to a strong increase in average daily rates (+6.8%) that in no way hurt its occupancy (+0.8 points), the 4-star hotel industry once again drew results up. With 7.7% growth, the mid-scale segment follows close behind with occupancy rates higher than the 4* (72.8 % versus 69.9%). The economy hotel segment is also in fine shape (+7.8%). The 2* category posts strong growth in its occupancy rate (+2.7 points) as well as in its average daily rates (+ 4.0%). With very high occupancy rates but a less significant maneuvering margin, the budget segment confirms its regular growth.Most European countries post a very good August. Germany is close to doubledigit growth (+9.9%). All segments are following the same tune but the economy hotel segment deserves a pat on the back for its performance that was higher than 11.1%. In the midst of institutional doldrums, Belgium can nonetheless find sources of consolation among its hotel results (+8.1%). Its Dutch neighbor, on the other hand, saw its strong uptrend over the past several months lag behind, to post only slight growth in its RevPAR (+1.8%). This moderate increase may be explained by a slight drop in occupancy (- 0.6 points) which nonetheless remains respectable, with nearly 75% of the OR. Spain...