Occupancy levels at Dublin hotels increase by 1.8%

Hotels in Dublin are continuing to grow business though at a slower rate than 2011, according to Deloitte.

There was a 1.8% increase in occupancy levels in hotel rooms in Dublin, while the amount of money earned per room rose 6.6%. The occupancy level remained at 61% for the first quarter.

Kevin Sheehan, Deloitte partner in charge of travel, hospitality, and leisure services, said the industry had experienced strong growth, but from a very low base.

“At this stage last year, we observed strong performance growth from the low base of 2010,” he said.

“For example, occupancy levels were up almost 7% on the first quarter of 2010 ... While hoteliers may be disappointed that they have not observed the same level of increases in 2012, the fact that performance is growing at a steady pace is to be very much welcomed.”

Deloitte is confident that Dublin hoteliers will have a strong 2012 benefiting from the fall in the value of the euro and a number of events taking place in Dublin.

Mr Sheehan said: “While trips from overseas visitors were down slightly in Q1, the outlook is more positive for Q2 and Q3.

“Indeed the CSO figures, although reflecting an overall decrease due to drops in US and European visitors, show that the strength of sterling against the euro has contributed to an increase in visitors from Great Britain of 2.1% in Q1.”

It is hoped that the maintenance of the lower 9% Vat will help promote Dublin as a weekend break destination for visitors from Britain.

The CEO of the Irish Hotels Federation, Tim Fenn, said growth in the sector was not uniform. Dublin benefited from big events in places such as the Aviva Stadium but places like Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, and Westport were also showing signs of recovery.