A new report has revealed Liverpool’s hotel sector is bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.
Analysing data from January to September 2022, the study found that occupancy rates are back to just under 2019 levels.
Key figures show:
- Room sales increased by 63 per cent from 852,599 to 1,389,685
- Weekend occupancy is now at 82.1 per cent and weekday occupancy is at 71.5 per cent
- £75.8 million has been invested in hotels and serviced apartments
- 5 new hotels have opened
- 205 hotel jobs have been created
- There are an additional 421 hotel rooms and serviced apartments available
The boost has been attributed to the return of events and conferences across the city including the Labour Party Conference in September, the Liverpool FC Victory Parade in May and the return of the Grand National in April.
Two major projects have been completed in the city this year: the 4-star Novotel Paddington Village (pictured above) and the 4-star Radisson Red Hotel at Lime Street. The two hotels have brought an additional 423 rooms to the city.
The sector is continuing to expand, with the 4-star Fragrance Hotel on Dale Street is set to open its doors next year, along with Holiday Inn Express and Hotel Indigo on Duke Street.
Liverpool’s current city centre hotel offer is:
- 94 hotels/apart-hotels/guest houses
- 8,093 bedrooms and suites available
- 1,935 hotel-related jobs
Mayor of Liverpool. Joanne Anderson, said: “What a year it has been for Liverpool. Emerging from the pandemic, we’ve made huge strides in getting Liverpool’s hospitality sector back on track.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to see that our hotel occupancy rates have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, whilst room revenues are currently running at their highest in past 20 years. We hope to continue the trend as 2023 is already looking like a bumper year with Eurovision, plus the Grand National and The Open Golf Championship in the city region.
“However, challenges still remain, not least the cost of living and its impact on recruitment and promoting the skills agenda. These are issues which myself and colleagues are raising with the government at every opportunity.”
Chris Brown, Director of Marketing Liverpool, said: “It is encouraging that the hotel sector recovery has made significant progress post-pandemic and that we have operators wanting to invest in the city.
“The new Accommodation BID that we are bringing in highlights the importance of sustaining and driving the sector forward and that will undoubtedly be further enhanced by the fact that the city will be in the International spotlight next year.
“There are still many challenges ahead to restore the sector back to pre-pandemic levels but the signs are very encouraging.”
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Liverpool will become the first city to launch an Accommodation BID in January 2023 thanks to the backing of hotels and serviced accommodation providers in the city. This is a critical step in our work to support this vital cog in our visitor economy.
“Accommodation is part of our city’s infrastructure, it is our warm welcome and rocket fuel for our hospitality and leisure industry. With the Accommodation BID we can give the sector a voice in helping to define what it needs, along with creating a subvention fund to attract major events to the city, like Eurovision. The Liverpool visitor economy works together to help keep the city responsive, agile and competitive.”
The report has been complied by Liverpool City Council in collaboration with Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company and Marketing Liverpool. It is available to read here: https://marketingliverpool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Liverpool-Hotels-Update-Published-24-November-2022.pdf
