Hospitality Net - Industry News - More Upside Than Downside For UK Hotel Sector In 2004, But Changing Booking And Buying Patterns May Challenge Hoteliers -

Hospitality Net - Industry News - More Upside Than Downside For UK Hotel Sector In 2004, But Changing Booking And Buying Patterns May Challenge Hoteliers - PricewaterhouseCoopers reports: "'Forecast Alert' also identifies that there appears to have been an overall shift in business and leisure travel patterns. Corporate travellers are now booking later (like leisure travellers), using the internet more and increasingly shopping for better rates as they become more cost conscious. The implication is that the travellers are returning, but the business model may have changed for good.

Robert Milburn, UK Leader for Hospitality & Leisure at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the name of the game for hoteliers in 2004 is revenue maximisation:

'Forecast Alert' also concludes that although London bore the brunt of the downturn in international travel throughout the past three years, it is expected to lead the recovery in the European hotel sector.

Liz Hal, research manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers added:


"There are already signs of a change in fortunes for the capital. For the first time since 1995, London increased its global market share of tourism.We anticipate RevPAR growth of 1.7% in London this year and a further robust gain of 6.4% in 2005.""