GLOBAL hotels chain InterContinental says the recovery is gathering pace after reporting a return to revenue per room growth for the first time since early 2009.

The group announced a 5% increase in revenues of £263m for the quarter to September 30, although operating profits fell by 7% to £71.8m.

But global revpar (revenue per available room) improved by 8.1%, including a 6.7% increase in its UK market.

Revenues per room for the current quarter, calculated at constant currency rates, have been maintained at 8.1% in total during October, including 8% in the Americas, 6.1% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 12.3% in the Asia Pacific region.

The hotels brand continues to roll-out new developments, including 59 under the Indigo brand, including 13 outside the Americas in locations including Bangkok, Tapei, Shanghai and Liverpool, a £15m 151-room development on Chapel Street, which is due to open next year.

InterContinental’s Liverpool portfolio also includes two Crowne Plazas in Liverpool and Speke, a Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the business-oriented Staybridge Suites, on Kings Dock.

Chief executive Andrew Cosslett said: “The quarter saw a return to rate growth for the first time since early 2009, a clear sign that the recovery is gathering pace.

“Global revpar was up 8.1%, with Greater CHina revpar increasing 24.4% and Europe, Middle East and Africa revpar grew at its fastest pace for two years.”

He said the group has more than 1,200 hotels in its development pipeline which will create in excess of 160,000 new jobs over the next few years.

And he added: “Our balance sheet is in excellent shape and we continue to generate significant cash flow.”