The latest survey compiled by Horwath Hotel, Tourism and Leisure (HTL), the world's largest hospitality consulting firm, has shown that most hotel operators around the world expect 2013 hotel performance to be in line with last year and for growth to be flat. Considering the last sentiment survey showed a majority of slightly negative responses, this is a positive move none the less, albeit slightly.

Sentiment in China remains flat, with hoteliers concerned that the huge influx of new first class hotel bedrooms into the country will make it difficult for them to increase rates and occupancies. Concern over new hotel bedrooms was the number one concern for hoteliers in the region, followed by global oil prices. Europe as well remains firmly sceptical of any meaningful improvement over the coming year, even though they do not have any significant additions in hotel supply. The continuing Euro crisis is causing deep concern and removing any thoughts of recovery. With Europe only five years in a de-leveraging cycle, hoteliers are worried about local economic and stock market trends as well as oil prices and exchange rate fluctuation.

The one bright are is the Americas, which recorded positive scores across all categories for the first time since the global financial crisis began in 2008. Hoteliers think that they will see improvements in average room rates, occupancy levels and revenue growth in 2013, something that reflects the RevPAR growth numbers that have been predicted for the year. In complete contrast to China, the USA has had basically zero supply growth for the last two years, so any increase in demand goes straight to the existing hotel supply without having to worry displacement.

The Survey, which can be downloaded in full at www.horwathhtl.com, provides the hotel industry with a quick assessment of the future market outlook. The four-question survey focuses on the outlook for occupancy, average room rates and total revenue. Hoteliers have also been asked to make comments on their expectations for the coming year in comparison to 2011, as well as identify key factors of growth/decline, assessing the outlook for key demand segments.

China Sentiment Remains Flat, But Optimism Begins to Grow in the USA | By James Chappell— Photo by HorwathChina Sentiment Remains Flat, But Optimism Begins to Grow in the USA | By James Chappell— Photo by Horwath
China Sentiment Remains Flat, But Optimism Begins to Grow in the USA | By James Chappell— Photo by Horwath

Damien Little, a Director of Horwath HTL in Asia and the founder of the survey said, "It is clear that some areas, Europe specifically are still under tremendous external economic pressures, pressures that show little sign of easing while the debt crisis resolves itself. Other major markets like Asia are not pessimistic, but are rightly concerned about the ability of the markets to absorb such a high number of new rooms. The general feeling is that they will be, but the question is how long. The one bright area is the USA when things seem to be moving and we are seeing a level of confidence about the future that has not been evident for some time. If RevPAR numbers continue to be strong, this might mean the start of a genuine recovery"

About Horwath HTL

Horwath HTL is focused one hundred percent on hospitality, tourism, and leisure consulting. Our services cover every aspect of hotel real estate investment, tourism, and leisure development. Our clients choose Horwath HTL because we have earned a reputation for impartial advice that will often mean the difference between failure and success. Each client project is unique, and they rely on us to utilize the experience we have gained throughout our 100-year history to assist them in achieving their goals. Being a global firm with 52 offices in 40 countries, we have successfully carried out over 40,000 assignments for both public and private clients. As part of the Crowe Global network, a top-ten accounting, and financial services network, Horwath HTL is the number one choice for companies and financial institutions looking to invest and develop in the industry.

For more information, please visit www.horwathhtl.com.