Brussels, 01/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - Online travel site TripAdvisor has published its latest twice-yearly report on the global hotel industry, the “TripAdvisor Industry Index” which reveals the most profitable companies and the latest trends within the industry. Europe appears to be the region doing least well in terms of both profitability and recruitment prospects, because of the not very encouraging economic environment. The survey was conducted on the basis of information supplied by some 25,000 hoteliers across the globe, including 5,000 for the United States alone.
Outlook: Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, the United States and India, in that order, are the countries for which the business outlook for hotels is brightest. Bringing up the rear are four European countries: Greece, which records the most pessimistic outlook, with Italy, Spain and France just ahead.
Profitability: 30% of US hoteliers reported having been “extremely or very profitable” over the last six months. In the previous survey, in December 2011, that figure was 27%. The largest hotels (50 rooms or more) were also the most profitable and their owners the most optimistic about improvement in the global economic situation. In Europe, UK hoteliers are along those with the highest profit margins.
Employment: India and Brazil are the countries where hoteliers are most likely to take on new staff, with 39% and 34% respectively saying they intend to increase the size of their staff. On the American continent, Mexico and the Caribbean are the most hopeful for future employment, with 21% and 20% respectively intending to take on new staff, compared with 15% for the US. At the other end of the scale, French and British hoteliers, with 6% and 8% respectively, are the least likely to add new employees.
Rates: It is the countries which are most feeling the pinch as a result of the economic downturn that are considering reducing room rates. Not surprisingly, it is in Europe where the highest numbers are considering dropping their rates: Greek hoteliers are the ones who most looking to reduce rates, followed by the Spanish and Italians. The United States tops the list of hoteliers who expect their rates to rise, with Brazil and Russia just behind.
TripAdvisor is an online travel site providing information to assist travellers prepare their holidays. They use the impartial advice and opinions they receive from their members. Some 50 million internet users visit the site every month and have left 60 million reviews of over 200,000 hotels and attractions and over 30,000 destinations around the world. (IL/transl.rt)