HOTELS across the region suffered reduced occupancy rates in April because of the wettest weather on record.

PKF Hotel Consultancy Services said occupancy rates fell 5.5 per cent to 79.7 per cent during the month, although the city achieved a 10.4 per cent increase in room rate to £63.01, resulting in a 4.3 per cent rise in rooms yield to £50.22.

Paul Clarke, partner at PKF, said: “It has been a challenging winter season, followed by a wet April, and it appears that Yorkshire hotels are yet to emerge from these difficulties.

Pressures are likely to remain as many such operators rely on the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market, which continues to flatline.

“On a more positive note we hope that major tourist destinations, such as York, will potentially have a strong summer as overseas visitors coming to the Olympics venture out of the capital for a few days.”