UK tourism in good place as room rates increase

Visit Britain is predicting a second year running of record inbound tourism numbers this year, forecasting a 2.5 per cent growth in visitors.

According to the Hotel Price Index, published by Hotels.com, home grown consumer confidence and more inbound visitors, has led to a 2 per cent increase in room rates across the country, pushing revpar up to £104.

Bristol made the biggest gains, with room rates rising 13 per cent to £87. Scotland performed well, with Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh all reporting increases and The Commonwealth Games helped Glasgow improve rates by 12 per cent to £86.

Leeds was also given an 8 per cent lift, thanks in part to hosting the opening leg of the Tour de France.

All but five of the 46 destinations reported their figures have increased. Those who didn’t include some traditional favourite destinations: the Cotswolds, Jersey and the Lake District.

Bradford, Scarborough and Blackpool were reported to offer the best value, with a room in Bradford costing around £51 a night, including a 5 per cent rise.

Vice president of Hotels.com, Matt Walls, said: “The UK clearly displayed the ability to attract a record number of visitors in 2014. Europe continues to provide the bulk of the inbound travellers, with rises in both the leisure and business sector, yet there is no doubt that global events such as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Tour de France last year helped boost the average hotel prices paid.”