UK and Ireland hotel occupancy at pre-pandemic levels

• According to data to be presented at the International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA, hotel occupancy rates in the UK and Ireland have reached and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. 
• Despite varying performances, the global hotel industry sees overall positive growth, with Northern Africa recording the highest growth rate.

The hotel industry in the United Kingdom and Ireland has significantly recovered, with occupancy rates now matching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels, as per data from CoStar. To be presented at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) EMEA in Berlin, the data revealed that as of February 2025, Ireland’s 12-month occupancy was 102% of the 2019 comparison, with the UK following closely at 100%. Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece were not far behind, each reporting 99% occupancy compared to 2019.

The global hotel performance levels have been increasing overall. Europe’s occupancy rate for the three months ending February 2025 was 60%, marking a 2% year-on-year increase. The average daily rate (ADR) was US$137, a 3% increase from the previous year.

In the Middle East, occupancy was 77%, with an ADR of US$205, both showing growth. Northern Africa experienced the highest growth rates, with occupancy at 59% and an ADR of US$127, marking increases of 11% and 37%, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa, however, saw a slight dip in occupancy to 57%, but achieved an 11% increase in ADR to US$164.

STR representatives will present these details at the IHIF EMEA forum, where they will further discuss the hotel industry’s current state and future prospects.