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2005 First Quarte; Travel to France & Italy Rises |
| NEW YORK, May 5, 2005 � Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) announced
today that the luxury hotel brand recognized a 14% increase in first quarter
revenue over the same period last year. Underlying the increase in
revenue was a 10% jump in both the total reservations and total room nights
for that period in addition to a slight increase in the average daily rate.
�We have been expecting a steady rebound in the luxury hotel sector and
by all accounts our numbers indicate that it is happening. Our numbers
also reflect the desire of discerning luxury travelers to seek out unique
experiences rather than just a hotel; something SLH delivers and more,�
commented Ed Donaldson, VP of Marketing, The Americas.
The United States continues to be the group�s largest feeder market with 60% of the total worldwide reservations originating in the U.S. The Q1 2005 figures reflect a staggering 40% increase of reservations originating in Germany as compared to the same period last year, as well as a 23% growth in travelers originating in France. While the United States and United Kingdom remain the top two destinations for SLH travelers with hotels in those regions receiving 60% of the total reservations, bookings for hotels in Italy and France are both up over the same period last year by 26% and 11%, respectively. Rounding out the top 5 top destinations are France, Spain and Italy. The Internet continues to play a large role in the growth of SLH�s business. Revenue derived from slh.com bookings increased by 54% during the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same period last year. The growth and popularity of the brand�s web-based guest recognition program, Club SLH, has also factored in the increase in total web bookings. The Club has grown to 16,000 members worldwide accounting for an average of 200 reservations per month. The top destinations booked by Club members are similar to the overall SLH trends but vary slightly with France leading the pack followed by the U.S., Italy and the U.K.
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| Contact:
Lanny Grossman
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