Demand high for Belfast hotel rooms

Belfast hotels are among the most in demand on the planet, according to a major report published today.

The city was placed 15th among the world’s cities in terms of bed occupancy in the annual Global Ranking Index produced by business consultancy Deloitte.

Occupancy rates for Belfast hotels stood at an impressive 81.8% for 2007 – up 1.7% on the pervious year and almost 10% on 2000.

Its jump into the Top 20 came after it achieved 22nd place last year.

Its new ranking put it ahead of places such as Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Zurich.

Jackie Henry, a partner at Deloitte in Belfast, said: “It is extremely satisfying to see Belfast making its debut in the top 20 and rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s top destinations.

“The trend is positive for Belfast as this year’s placing is seven higher than in 2006.

“In addition to traditional tourism, the city continues to attract large numbers of people on weekend breaks as well as business travellers.”

With ever more air routes coming on stream this year Deloitte predicted things were positive and the upward trend would continue.

Numerous new hotels have opened in recent years and with demand continuing to grow more are under construction and even more planned.

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said last month the influx of visitors was such that it was virtually impossible to find an empty bed in the city at weekend.

London was five places ahead of Belfast on the list – but with an occupancy rate only 1% higher.

While Perth in Australia topped the list, European cities continued to lead the global hotel performance league in terms of revenue per room, taking 12 of the top 20 places.