DUNSTABLE (dpa-AFX) - Whitbread plc (WTB.L) reported that its like for like sales were up 1.8% for the 13 weeks to 2 June 2016, while total sales increased 8.0% from last year. Costa grew total sales by 11.5% with UK retail like for like sales growth recovering to 2.6%. In the quarter, Premier Inn grew total sales by 8.0% and like for like sales by 2.1% benefitting from the extension programme.
Whitbread said it is on plan to open 4,000-4,500 new hotel rooms in 2016/17. The Group remains on plan to open 230-250 Costa stores worldwide and have increased its target to install at least 1,250 new Costa Express machines in the current year.
Whitbread Chief Executive, Alison Brittain said, 'Although it is early in our new financial year and despite current market conditions, with the benefit of our cost efficiency programme we remain confident of making good progress for the full year.'
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX