Demand for private accommodation during the Offshore Europe (OE) 2013 oil and gas show in Aberdeen has nearly doubled to a new high, according to a north-east letting specialist.
KWAD Relocation Services, based in Holburn Street, Aberdeen, has reported 81 properties leased on a short-term basis across Aberdeen city and shire.
This is almost twice the number of lettings it made during the 2011 OE, which takes place in the Granite City every two years. KWAD said yesterday the number of properties offered for rental by local owners this year was a record 170, compared with just 77 in 2011.
Kevin Davidson, the firm’s managing director, said: “We are extremely happy to have managed to satisfy this peak in demand in advance of Offshore Europe 2013, which now totals over 190 rooms altogether.
“A number of factors have contributed to the rise, with the main reason still being a lack of supply of hotel rooms across the city despite a number of new hotels opening up.
“There has also been a significant increase in demand from international customers.
“Tenants are flying in from a range of countries, including Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, South America, and China.”
“We have found that the requirement for one-bedroom apartments has been substantial, with many single occupants now having to stay in larger two-bedroom flats and homes.
“Our partnership with the event organisers, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and Reed exhibitions, continues to grow and we are delighted to work alongside them again on this project.”
This year’s OE event – taking place from Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 September – is expected to attract a record attendance, eclipsing the 48,000 total for 2011.