As part of the hospitality sector, the hotel industry is a significant contributor to the United Kingdom's economy. Although estimates are difficult because of a lack of definitive statistics, the hotel industry's annual turnover was as high as £27 billion (US$52.5 billion) in 2006, according to the British Hospitality Association (Caterer and Hotelkeeper 2006). The industry is diverse, including bedand-breakfast establishments, budget, midrange, and luxury hotels. Because of volatile markets...