Dalata Hotel Group is this week holding a shareholder investor day in London, wherein it will present its 2030 Vision, which includes plans to increase its footprint from 12,000 to 21,000 bedrooms, either open or in development, by 2030.
The group is aiming to become the largest hotel operator in the four-star segment of all major cities in Ireland and the regional UK by 2030, with a growing presence in London and Continental Europe.
Dalata noted that it remains focused on both the acquisition of existing hotels and the development of new hotels through a balanced mix of leasehold and freehold ownership, using combined expertise as both a hotel operator and developer.
“Since taking over as CEO, investing in our brands and our marketing strategy has been a key strategic focus, and our performance is evidence of the positive impacts these initiatives have had across the group,” said Dermot Crowley, CEO at Dalata. “Our recent UK growth has been compelling, with 11 hotels added in target cities since 2021, almost doubling our UK footprint. Continental Europe represents an exciting pathway to expand the group’s footprint.”
Crowley added, “I am excited about Dalata’s long-term outlook, and this is underscored by our ambition of having 21,000 bedrooms either open or in development by 2030.”
Dalata’s like-for-like RevPAR was 1% ahead of the equivalent 2023 levels for July and August.
‘Positive Momentum’
The group noted that ‘positive momentum’ has continued through the year, and it expects to achieve RevPAR growth of 2% on 2023 levels for September and October.
For the two-month period, RevPAR for the Dublin portfolio is expected to be 1% ahead of 2023 levels, while the regional Ireland portfolio is expected to be 4% above them. The UK portfolio is expected to be 1% ahead of 2023, on a like-for-like basis, helped by the inclusion of the two London hotels added to the portfolio last summer, both of which are showing strong growth versus last year.
Dalata remains positive in its outlook for the remainder of the year, as it continues to see a strong return of corporate business after the summer period and good leisure demand around events.
In particular, the group expects good demand in November in Dublin, on the back of a strong events calendar.
2030 Vision
“I am excited to be in London today, where we will provide an update on the business and our ambitious 2030 Vision,” said Crowley.
“Our growth strategy and the role that marketing will play as we continue to expand our footprint will be an important element of today’s event.”
