US hotel owners and operators have expressed optimism about the economic prospects for 2012, according to annual industry research conducted by travel website TripAdvisor.

The TripAdvisor Industry Index comprises responses from more than 9,000 owners and operators across the worldwide hospitality industry, of which1,276 are based in the US.

Among the key results of the survey is that 65 per cent of US participants are "optimistic" about the chances of economic recovery in 2012 - 27 per cent more than the global average.

More than three quarters (76 per cent) of businesses in the US expect to be more profitable this year, compared with 2011 and also compared to a global aveage of just 58 per cent.

TripAdvisor for Business president Christine Petersen said: "[The findings] reflect data showing one-third of US travellers are planning to increase travel spending in 2012."

However, the findings also revealed that only 13 per cent of US respondents plan to build or acquire new properties this year - less than the global average of 17 per cent.

Details: www.tripadvisor.com (PDF)

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