Irish hotel operator Dalata Hotel Group plans to increase its UK footprint by 20% this year, adding more than 800 bedrooms to its portfolio.
The group said it was committed to the growth despite a quiet start to the year. Revenue per available room was down by 4% on 2023 in the early months of the year, said Dalata, adding that trading in May and June had started to pick up. RevPar is now 3% ahead of 2023 levels. The group said corporate demand remained strong and was ahead of last year and that it expected operating profit for the six months ending 30 June to be in excess of €105m (£89m), surpassing 2023 levels.
Chief executive Dermot Crowley said: “As we look ahead, we are positive in our outlook for the summer period, supported by future demand indicators across our markets, including growing air traffic forecasts and active event calendars.”
