Manchester Hotels Increase Numbers Despite Recession

THE annual average of hotel occupancy increased to 75% in Manchester in 2011, compared to 71% in 2010, according to data provided to Visit Manchester.

Add special events such the Olympic Football at Old Trafford and The Stone Roses at Heaton Park into the mix and we’re hopeful that Manchester can get back to 2006 occupancy levels in 2012.

Contributing factors are record high monthly occupancy in the summer months of June and July, the highest weekend monthly occupancy registered in October as well as the release of December's hotel occupancy data.

This shows a strong year for Manchester's hotels even with the difficulties of the trading environment. The December data also shows an increase in 2011's average occupancy for the whole Greater Manchester area, from 69% to 74% in 2010.

According to Visit Manchester´s managing director Paul Simpson the last time Manchester had a 75% annual occupancy was in the year 2005, which was then followed by the highest ever recorded annual occupancy of 77% in 2006.

“Manchester’s events calendar is a big driver in terms of demand for accommodation in the city and looking ahead we’re in for a busy year on both the leisure and business front. Add special events such the Olympic Football at Old Trafford and The Stone Roses at Heaton Park into the mix and we’re hopeful that Manchester can get back to 2006 occupancy levels in 2012.”

New hotels are expected in the city centre in the coming years - some more controversial than others (click here) - and they will increase the city's bed stock further.

Over 800,000 international visitors come to Manchester every year and the tourism industry generates £5.5 billion annually for the local economy and brings 75,000 jobs.