Business Times

Strong occupancy levels at hotels

The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) this week that the January 2010 performance of hotels in the country has been excellent with arrivals reaching 50,750, a 32% increase on January 2009.
A statement by the THASL President Srilal Miththapala said the main contribution to this increase has been the British market, up by 24.6%, Germany up by 54% and India up by 73.5%. January and February are two of the busiest months in the tourism calendar and is the peak of the high season.

In January 2010, resort hotels had occupancies close upon 70% to 80% for the month. Even the circuit hotels in the cultural triangle area, which were relatively low, have picked up and are now doing well with about 65% occupancy levels. Mr. Miththapala said these high occupancies, coupled with enhanced high season room rates has resulted in almost all resort hotels posting high revenues for the month with healthy net profit returns.

Many hotels are also facing over-booking situations, a ‘problem’ which Sri Lankan hotels have not experienced for a long time. In Colombo, five star hotels have done very well reaching occupancy levels of 55% to 60%, indicating a 25% year on year growth. Mr. Miththapala said this increase has come from the leisure and corporate segment and not necessarily from conventionand incntive travel.

The lower category city hotels have fared much better with an occupancy rates closer to 80%.
Overall, the THASL is expecting February 2010 to be ever better if the rapid increase in tourist arrivals continues. With the contracting season for room sales for next winter now underway, most hoteliers will be looking to adjust their rates to reflect a more realistic price level from the current rate structures which were in place during the war situation. Mr. Miththapala said some of the bigger hotel companies will be undertaking several refurbishing and upgrading programmes during the forthcoming summer months.

As a result, there will be some room stock reduced from the inventory for the summer period. The Negombo area in particular will see several hotels partially reducing their operations, to undertake substantial refurbishing activities.

Top to the page  |  E-mail  |  views[1]
SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend
 
Other Business Times Articles
Over 1000 companies to lose VAT refunds
BAM Holdings looks to nanotechnology
SEC concerned over ERI African investment
IMF mission discusses 3rd tranche
SriLankan wants autonomy to restructure
SEC disclosure directives welcomed by share market community
GSP+ suspension by July
Comment - GSP+ loss not unexpected
Jaffna may have the spoils, but it may not be the true picture
Overseas migration: Judgement under uncertainty and the role of luck
7 ICT staff accredited as Project Management Professionals
New milk product launched by Fonterra
DCSL seeking Treasury clarification on Insurance Corporation issue
Ceylon Tea Trails wins top travellers’ awards
Ceylon Tea Brokers IPO oversubscribed by 10 times
Workplace psychology discussion at the ST Business Club
Forex reserves continues at $5.3 billion by end 2009 -CB
PC House felicitates staff
NDB Bank increases net profit
Strong occupancy levels at hotels
Corporate software piracy 'main culprit' for Sri Lanka
CB warns of gold sale scams
NTB on shareholder warrants
SriLankan ladies retain local charm
Munchee Tikiri Shishyadara Programme helps children of prisoners
Tigo Sales Diploma expands to the South
Private sector credit increasing
ACCA Sustainability Reporting awards on Feb 25
SafeNet felicitates Epic Lanka
Plantation children get free dental care
LOLC will not see interest rate decline benefits next quarter
DFCC Bank credit quality improving
Political cronyisms undermine professional dignity of Sri Lankan academics
Virtusa reports strong growth
Silver metal at concessionary prices
ADB, Japan to help Sri Lanka in power sector
Ceylon Hospitals profit down
SLIC partners with premier vehicle agents
Scheme to enhance languages’ proficiency of CB officers
"HR Battles on a hot seat"
Julian Bolling endorses Isotonic Lime Blast
Richard Pieris Tyre Company appraises its authorized tyre dealers in the WP
The 4 A's gears up to meet the challenges ahead
New Chief Executive Director appointed at Sadaharitha Group
Corporate Partners 2010: Elevating Professional Excellence with CIMA
Keells Hotels expanding, seek funds from shareholders
Tokyo Cement revenue and cost may rise
CCC mission to Bangladesh
Indian experts to share their views at Sri Lanka Telecom Summit
NAMAL Acuity Value Fund realises net gain of Rs 58.7 mln in 3rdQ
Piramal’s market leadership to help sustain profits
Global architects urged to come up with innovative solutions
US-Sri Lanka education investment seminar fair in October
The Finance Company posts large losses
Aeturnum Lanka wins Microsoft FAST Search award

 

 
Reproduction of articles permitted when used without any alterations to contents and a link to the source page.
© Copyright 2010 | Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved.| Site best viewed in IE ver 6.0 @ 1024 x 768 resolution