Greater Manchester hotels see resurgence in occupancy

Hotels in Greater Manchester have seen a strong bounce-back in occupancy levels over the last three months, according to figures from the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA).

Before hotels fully reopened in May, occupancy levels stood at around 40%, but rose to 60% in July, and are expected to continue to rise, reaching 70% in September. The MHA attributes the strong recovery in the city-region’s hotel sector to a number of of factors, including the trend of taking UK-based holidays during the pandemic, the alleviation of restrictions on events including weddings and other celebrations, as well as a return of corporate travel and events.

Adrian Ellis, General Manager of the Lowry Hotel in Salford and chair of the MHA, commented:

It is brilliant to see our beloved hotel sector bouncing back after the devastating effects of the pandemic. The strong leisure demand, as well as the resurgence of corporate business, has been really uplifting and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors back to our vibrant city.”

The reopening of international travel is also expected to see tourists from overseas return to Manchester and support further recovery for the city-region’s tourism industry. Adam Reckert, general manager at Hilton Manchester Deansgate, added:

The pandemic created many challenges for the hospitality sector and, whilst we are still battling with issues like product supply and recruitment, the statistics evidence how our sector is on target to recover to pre-pandemic earlier than originally predicted.

“The public clearly has a thirst for the hotel experience – whether that be for staycations this summer or for large corporate events later in the year making it an incredibly exciting and busy period for those within the hospitality sector. And with the hope of international travel on the horizon, the sector is prepped to bounce back.”