STR Analytics to Oversee Hotel Operating Statistics Program

STR has confirmed the Hotel Operating Statistics (HOST) Program, which includes the HOST Almanac and Custom HOST Reports, will now be the responsibility of STR Analytics.

STR Analytics, which is part of the STR family of companies, provides in-depth data analysis and consulting services to the hotel industry.

"STR is looking forward to having STR Analytics oversee the HOST Program responsibilities," said Amanda Hite, STR's president. "Their expertise in the industry will be a great asset to the study and allow us to expand HOST data reporting."

The HOST Almanac, which was formally known as the HOST Study, is one of the most extensive and definitive databases on the U.S. hotel industry revenues and expenses. The 2011 study included operating statements of approximately 6,200 hotels.

HOST contains information on hotel revenue and expenses as well as information by department, including rooms, food and beverage, marketing, utility costs, property and maintenance, administrative and general, and selected fixed charges.

Highlights from the 2012 study included:

- The U.S. hotel industry's total revenue grew 7.5% in 2011 to US$137.5 billion, the largest percentage change in the previous 10 years.

- Gross Operating Profit (GOP) rested at 36.1% in 2011 compared with 35.3% in 2010.

- Full-service hotels in the study generated US$240.08 in total revenue per occupied room night in 2011, up from US$263.13 in 2010.

- Franchise fees in chain-affiliated, limited-service hotels accounted for 3.2% of the undistributed operating expenses, which equates to US$2.91 per occupied room night.

"We are excited to grow the HOST Program into a more thorough and comprehensive suite of products," said Caitlyn Milton, business intelligence manager at STR Analytics. "This year we will be collecting 95 additional line items and providing more in-depth profitability analysis through the HOST Almanac, Custom HOST and consulting projects. The HOST Almanac presents a clear picture to hoteliers of how their operating expenses match up to the national averages and helps identify areas of operation where they can tighten up or where they are being outperformed."