Premier Inn owner Whitbread says UK bookings remain ahead of last year
Whitbread's Performance and Market Challenges
Strong Forward Bookings and Sales Growth
June 18 (Reuters) - Premier Inn owner Whitbread < WTB.L> said on Thursday that its forward bookings in Britain remained ahead of last year, supported by strong leisure demand, as the hotel operator reported a rise in first-quarter like-for-like sales.
Challenges Facing Whitbread
Pressure from Activist Investors
Whitbread faces pressure from activist investor Corvex Management to conduct a strategic review of the company, while rising prices linked to the war in Iran add to challenges facing Britain's hospitality sector, already hit by weak consumer spending and higher taxes.
Sales Performance and Outlook
Recent Sales Data
Whitbread's like-for-like sales rose 2% for the 13 weeks to May 28, and the company said it remains confident in its full-year outlook.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Neeshita Beura in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
