Australian hotel industry looks ‘dire’: Survey
A survey by hospitality consultant Horwath HTL looks at the likely journey ahead for the accommodation sector in Australia, especially as the nation tentatively emerges from isolation measures. Key findings include:
• JobKeeper was by far the most adopted government stimulus measure, with 91% of all participating properties having utilized the scheme; 89% of accommodation properties in capital cities, 92% of regional properties and 94% of leisure market properties sought the package
• 80% of survey participants (currently operating) describe their operation as being “cashflow negative,” making it clear the accommodation sector in Australia is currently in a dire situation
• June is expected to be the poorest-performing month, with low occupancy levels and at an approximately 30% decline in ADR compared with budget. The result is that RevPAR could decline by up to 87% compared with budget, based on data from survey responses
U.S. hotel performance: Drive-to destinations stronger
Each week, STR analysts have been releasing a video deep-dive into U.S. hotel performance. Key highlights from the most recent video, which look at performance for May 10-16, include:
• Updated U.S. forecast for 2020: occupancy (-45.8%), ADR (-21.6%) and RevPAR (-57.5%)
• Weekend occupancy for May 15-16 was at 34.8%
• Drive-to destinations showed strong weekend performance, with Myrtle Beach/South, South Carolina recording a 51.2-point weekend versus weekday occupancy gain
• 10.9 million room nights were sold
U.K. ahead of other key countries in April
STR analysts have also been releasing a weekly video around U.K. hotel performance. Key highlights from the most recent video, which looks at performance for the week of May 11-17, with a look at April monthly data, include:
• Occupancy and RevPAR in the U.K. remained static for the week
• Among key U.K. markets, Cambridge (38%) experienced the highest occupancy level in April, while Belfast (9%) saw the lowest
• The U.K. was ahead of other key countries in April, followed by France and Italy
Tracking U.S. traveler perceptions of safety
MMGY Global has launched a sentiment tracking tool created for the travel and tourism industry to monitor American travelers’ perceptions of how safe it is to engage in specific travel behaviors as the country embarks on reopening and recovery. The “Travel Safety Barometer,” designed by MMGY’s Travel Intelligence research and insights division, is based on a nationally representative survey of all active travelers in the country that is conducted monthly using MMGY Global’s proprietary Travel Intentions Pulse database. Barometer metrics are published for both domestic and international travel, as well as category-specific metrics for transportation, lodging, cruising, dining and entertainment.
Looking for an office? Try a hotel
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills has launched a remote working concept, “Offices at The London West Hollywood.” Starting June 1, some of the hotel’s larger guest rooms (725 square feet and larger) will be converted to private office spaces, which can be rented on a monthly or longer basis. The London’s Executive Chef Anthony Keene has created a menu for guests who have an office at the hotel.