TripAdvisor survey reveals hospitality industry expectations

One in two UK hospitality businesses expect to be more profitable in 2012 than last year, according to a new poll.

One in two UK hospitality businesses expect to be more profitable in 2012 than last year, according to a new poll.

The survey of 1,100 companies by TripAdvisor found that the UK was the third most profitable in the sector in 2011 and is expected to be even more profitable this year.

But UK companies in the hospitality business are not as optimistic about the state of the economy with only 19% believing that it will improve in 2012, against a global average of 38%.

Just 12% of hospitality businesses plan to create new jobs in 2012, trailing the industry average of 22%.

Less than half of UK owners and managers expect to engage with travellers using mobile devices in 2012, in contrast to many competitor markets such as Italy which is leading the pack at 62%.

The overall poll found that 15% expect direct bookings to increase a lot this year with 47% saying they may increase a little and 31% saying they will stay the same.

82% of UK hotels plan to offer free in-room internet access this year but only 40% aim to communicate with travellers via mobile devices.