Small Independent Hotels and B&Bs Record Positive Growth in Q2 2011

LONDON, October 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

In spite of the challenging economic environment, the UK independent accommodation sector saw an occupancy gain of 8% year-on-year during the second quarter of this year (April to June). In the run-up to the peak booking season, overall occupancy stepped up from 48% in April to 58% in June.

The strongest region was the South East, where the occupancy rose by 12% to 59%, followed by the East of England and the North East, both with average occupancy rates of 54%. Scotland saw a healthy rise in occupancy vs. the same period last year from 53% to 55%.

Growth figures were more muted for these businesses' average daily rate (ADR), especially in the provinces, showing an overall increase of 2% year-on-year. However, it is worth noting that this figure was negative in 2010. Scotland achieved the highest ADR (£61) for the quarter, followed by the West Midlands (£60) and the South West and South East (£59).

Nigel David, eviivo's CEO, said: "We are pleased to report some fairly positive overall growth figures for the UK independent accommodation sector, especially in the light of the uncertain economic picture and weak household incomes impacting on consumers' confidence and expenditure."  

This data was drawn directly from over 4,500 serviced accommodation businesses utilising eviivo's products and services and their average room size was 9 rooms. Full details can be obtained from eviivo.

About eviivo

Formed in 2004, eviivo aims to transform independent tourism through a unique combination of award-winning products and services. eviivo is championing the cause of the independent accommodation sector in the UK and abroad, simplifying business processes and increasing profits by bringing guests and small businesses together online. eviivo's customers include over 4,900 of the UK's small independent accommodation businesses using eviivo frontdesk^® to manage their properties and sell their rooms online. This rich portfolio covers the breadth of the UK and includes B&Bs, guest accommodation, inns, farmhouses, cottages, restaurants with rooms, and smaller boutique hotels. Many of these businesses are award-winning in their category. In 2011, eviivo was ranked in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100. http://www.eviivo.com.

Media contacts
Johanna Reder
Marketing Manager
+44(0)20-8576-5630
johanna.reder@eviivo.com