Whitbread sales rise 1% to £739m in Q1
This comes as its trading performance strengthened during the quarter ‘as expected’, with accommodation sales being in line with last year’s and up 55% on FY20
Premier Inn owner Whitbread has reported that total sales rose 1% to £739m during the first quarter of FY24, driven by improved UK trading and its continued progress in Germany.
This comes as its trading performance strengthened during the quarter “as expected”, with accommodation sales being in line with last year’s and up 55% on FY20.
While total RevPAR was 2% behind last year, it is 38% ahead of FY20.
However, the group’s F&B brands saw a slow start to FY25, as sales were 1% behind despite their strong breakfast sales due to the quarter’s high hotel occupancy.
Nevertheless, Whitbread expressed confidence in its full-year outlook, underpinned by “a strong commercial programme and good progress on cost efficiencies”.
Dominic Paul, CEO of Whitbread, said: “Our UK trading results strengthened during the quarter and we continued to grow accommodation sales ahead of the market. Underpinned by the favourable supply backdrop, total accommodation sales and RevPAR remained significantly ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
“Whilst the normal booking pattern means our forward visibility remains limited, our forward booked position is positive and we remain confident in the full year outlook. This reflects a more encouraging trading performance in the UK.”
He added: “Our Accelerating Growth Plan to optimise F&B at a number of sites and add 3,500 rooms to our UK pipeline is on track and will increase our momentum to deliver long-term profitable growth. Our strategic plans are set to deliver a step change in our performance.”
