LONDON— Despite seeing turnover fall 1.4% to $313.1 million (£200.9 million) and its operating profit drop 14% to $57.4 million (£36.6 million) in the six months ended Aug. 31, the Marriott brand in the U.K. outperformed its rivals there in sales and profits during the first half of 2002, according to a report from Whitbread Group PLC, owner of the hotel chain in the U.K. Managing Director Alan Parker said the group was able to keep occupancy at 72% and only had to cut room rate by $3.12 (£2). He attributed the decline to continued weakness in the U.S. corporate market. Marriott has experienced growth over the past six weeks, with sales increasing by 3% to 4%, Parker said. He expects growth to continue for the next few months. Caterer.com
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