Strong April RevPAR growth for Middle East hotels

April was another strong month for hotels across the Middle East, with significant increases in revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rates (ADR).

According to data from STR Global, the region reported a 4.9% increase in ADR to US $218.44 and a 10.7% increase in RevPAR to US $166.06.

Meanwhile, occupancy rates in the region rose four percentage points to 76%.

“The Middle East has consistently been performing well in the recent months, with the exception of the summer months, which are impacted by Ramadan," said STR Global managing director Elizabeth Winkle.

“The sub-region has one of the highest pipelines with 40% room growth of existing supply. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are emerging as the stars in the region, as investors are showing increased interest in both. There is a lot of interest and optimism in the region.”

Occupancy rates in Manama rose 17.9% to 60.1%, the largest increase in the region. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi experienced a 13.3% increase in occupancy rates to 79.2 percent. Beirut reprted the biggest decrease, down 16.1% to 47.6%.

Meanwhile, three markets achieved ADR growth of more than 10%: Muscat (up 14% to US $270.73); Dubai (up 10.6% to US $283.65); and Jeddah (up 10.4% to US $248.88).

Markets which experienced double-digit RevPAR growth included: Muscat (up 23.5% to US $223.16); Abu Dhabi (up 17.2% to US $123.30); Amman (up 13.5% to US $120.88); Dubai (up 12.8% to US $239.64); and Jeddah (up 11.3% to US $195.96).