Scottish hotel sector performing well

Revenue for hotels in Scotland rose 6.8% during the month, in contrast to a 1.9% drop in England

Occupancy and revenue levels in Scottish hotels rose faster than anywhere else in the UK last month, according to industry analysts.

Business advice firm PFK found the number of people checking into hotels in Scotland, year on year, rose by 7.7% in April.

In England the figure increased by 1.4% and in Wales by 3.2%.

Revenue for hotels in Scotland rose 6.8% during April, dropped by 1.9% in England and rose by 0.4% in Wales.

Edinburgh saw the biggest increase in the number of hotel guests - occupancy and revenue levels were both up by 12.1% compared with last April.

In Glasgow occupancy and revenue rates increased by a respective 3.9% and 3.7%, and in Aberdeen by a respective 0.4% and 1.6%.

Alastair Rae, a partner in PKF's real estate and hospitality sector, said: "April 2011 marks a return to the pre-recession figures for Edinburgh, which the sector will undoubtedly welcome.

"Edinburgh remains the jewel in the crown for the sector and the continuing announcement of substantial growth in the hospitality sector in the city is testament to investors' confidence in the market."

He added: "However, Aberdeen is also bouncing back and Glasgow continues to pro-actively attract visitors."