The UK's largest independent hotel management company has reported a significant increase in visitors throughout the 2013 festive period.

RBH, which manages hotels throughout the UK and Africa, recorded a nine per cent increase in Christmas bookings compared to 2012.

More than 5,000 additional customers passed through the doors of hotels run by the group, including Holiday Inn Camden Lock and Langstone Hotel.

Stephen Bench, divisional director at RBH, said:

"As an organisation, we were determined to maximise revenue and seize opportunities afforded by the festive period. As such, we focused on pre-ordered drinks and our speed of service to enhance guests' experience in our hotels.

"Our plan also included inspirational inductions for our seasonal staff and extending the festive season into November at some London properties, which really helped us capitalise upon the stabilising economy."

Stewart Campbell, managing director of RBH, added:

"The rise in business over the 2013 Christmas period is excellent news for our portfolio as well as the wider hotel industry. This upsurge in festive footfall will serve as a good benchmark for growth in 2014."