Rates at Starwood Hotels & Resorts properties throughout the world during the second quarter increased on average by 7.4 percent year over year

. Rate growth occurred in all regions and was most significant in Europe (16.9 percent) and Latin America (8.6 percent). Rate growth was lowest in North America (4.8 percent), although its occupancy was the highest of all global regions. Starwood's Luxury Collection and St. Regis brands increased rates by 11.5 percent combined, the largest increase among its brands, followed by W (10 percent), Le Meridien (9.4 percent), Westin (6.7 percent) and Sheraton (5.8 percent). Occupancy globally increased by 2.8 percentage points to 70.1 percent, leading to an 11.8 percent increase in revenue per available room. RevPAR growth in North America was 9.5 percent. Starwood's net income for the quarter was $131 million, compared with $114 million in the second quarter of 2010.