The UAE’s Jumeirah Group recorded a 7 per cent increase in revenue per available room (revpar) for the first quarter of 2011 when compared with the same period last year.

The Jumeirah Group’s hotels recorded an average occupancy of 85 per cent for the first four months of 2011.

The Group’s best performer was its Madinat Jumeirah resort in Dubai. The development recorded an increase in revpar of 12 per cent.

Speaking at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, Gerald Lawless, chief executive officer of the Jumeirah Group, outlined the group’s plans to expand into new markets in 2011.

“We are finally extending the Jumeirah brand beyond Dubai, London and New York … We are seeing the luxury hospitality market surge back from a challenging two-year period and feel that Jumeirah is poised to benefit from that by opening an exciting portfolio of luxury hotels,” said Lawless.