Competition Benchmarking Most Useful Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

An overview of two key performance indicators (KPIs) used in Revenue Management and Performance Review: Average Rate Index (ARI) and Market Penetration Index (MPI). ARI is calculated by comparing the Average Daily Rate (ADR) across a range of competitor hotels, while MPI measures a hotel's occupancy percentage compared to the market's occupancy. Both KPIs are useful for understanding how a hotel is performing in comparison to its competitors.

Benchmarking, or the practice of comparing performance to the hospitality industry bests metrics and to the competition, is key to understanding a hotel performance.

In this article, we will look at which KPIs are the most widely used in Revenue Management and Performance Review.

There are several Revenue Management benchmarking KPIs which you can use to measure your hotel performance - below you will find a few of the most popular ones to get you started.

Keep in mind that in order to calculate accurate benchmarks, you’ll need to first create a competitive set.

Average Rate Index (ARI)

This metric requires you to do a bit of market research beforehand to calculate what the various ADRs are within your competitor set.

The average rate index shows whether your rate is fair, above average or below average. It is recorded by comparing your average recurring revenue with that of your competitors.

How to calculate Average Rate Index (ARI)?

ARI is calculated by comparing the Average Daily Rate (ADR) across a range of competitor hotels.

The formula is: ARI = Your ADR / Competitors average ADR.

A rate greater than 1 shows that your hotel is, on average, priced higher than your competitors. While a rate lower than 1 means that you are priced lower.

Average Rate Index (ARI) Formula and Example

Why is Average Rate Index (ARI) a Useful Metric?

Once you have this data to hand, you can make a decision on whether to adjust your rates to increase more bookings or take the lower occupancy/higher revenue approach.

Remember, it’s not always the ideal situation to run at 100% occupancy if the revenues are too low.

Market Penetration Index (MPI)

Marketing penetration compares your property’s Occupancy percentage to your competitor set’s occupancy.

It will allow you to see how much - or how little - your property features in your market.

Why is Market Penetration Index (MPI) a Useful Metric?

When you’re aware of your own Occupancy Rate (OR), you can then make comparison with your competitor’s.

This will give you an indication of how you are performing within your select niche.

Market Penetration Index (MPI) Formula and Example

How to Calculate Market Penetration Index (MPI)

You can calculate it by dividing your hotel’s Occupancy Rate by that of your competitor set and multiplying the result by 100.

Any number below 100 will mean that you are not getting your fair share of demand in your given market and any number over 100 means that you’re doing an excellent job!

MPI is the best metric to show how you are doing compared to others in your industry.

How to use Market Penetration Index (MPI)?

Once you know how you’re positioned within the market, you can adjust your marketing to entice customers to book with you instead of your peers.

However, a high percentage of occupancy isn’t always the best indicator of a successful hotel. If your hotel lower the rates and raises occupancy, you could still lose money through ailing margins.

By taking a close look at MPI over a period of time, you will be able to identify your property’s ideal occupancy and how to achieve it!

More articles about Performance Evaluation

• Top Hospitality KPIs to Evaluate Your Hotel Performance
• Reputation Management Most Useful Key Performance Indicators