Though not immune to the global economic recession, the Australian hotel industry is faring well in local currency terms (Australian Dollar), according to data compile by STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the world’s hotel industry.

The country posted a 71.4-percent occupancy rate through July -down 4.9 percent from the same period last year. In addition, Australia’s ADR dropped 4.3 percent to AUD 165.67.

Specific markets that did not fare as well as the national averages include Cairns, where RevPAR was down 13.9 percent, occupancy fell 6.2 percent and ADR declined 8.2 percent. At AUD121.97, the city’s ADR was the lowest in the country. Perth, on the other hand, showed the highest occupancy (78.4 percent) and ADR (AUD182.73) for the year-to-date through July, while reporting an almost flat change in year-over-year RevPAR (-0.7 percent). Sydney, meanwhile, maintained the second position in the occupancy table at 75.4 percent. The city also had a more dubious second-place finish-an 8.9-percent drop in ADR led to the second largest decrease in RevPAR at -13.6 percent.

More than 500 hotels across Australia provide performance data to STR Global. Representation from Australian brands, such as the Mantra Group (Mantra, Peppers and BreakFree), Toga Hospitality Group (Vibe & Travelodge), Mirvac Group (Sebel), The Ascott Group (Somerset), Stamford Hotels and Rydges, as well as major international hotel brands, are included in the mix.
 
“We have been compiling data in Australia since 1999 and are delighted with the confidence the market places in us”, said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global. “In the current downturn, the value of competitive market data is becoming clear as it allows hotels to follow sound revenue management practices”.