Average daily rates at Starwood properties increased year over year by 4.5% in North America and by 7.1% outside North America during the first quarter, Starwood Hotels & Resorts reported.
Starwood's rates rose in all regions, led by Asia-Pacific (11.3%) and Latin America (7.5%).
Occupancy increased across all regions except in Africa and the Middle East.
Revenue per available room increased 10.4% worldwide and 11.1% in North America.
Starwood CEO Frits van Paasschen said that for the first time since the downturn, rate played as big as a role as occupancy in RevPAR growth.
Van Paasschen also said that midweek occupancy levels in gateway cities are approaching 2007 levels, indicating strong demand from business travelers, and that group business growth accelerated in March. During the quarter, corporate group business increased 35% year over year, he said.
Net income for the quarter decreased 7.1% to $28 million.
This report originally appeared in sister publication Business Travel News.