For Austrian hoteliers, the situation has not gotten any easier than in previous years with Corona-related restrictions. This makes it difficult for hoteliers to make a prediction for the winter season. The industry is also struggling with high electricity costs and a staff shortage.
About two-thirds of the hoteliers surveyed say that bookings are made even later than usual. Only 15 percent of quality hotels see no change in the booking behavior of their guests. “Ideally, there are still one or two bookings before the start of the season,” says ÖHV director Walter Veit, according to the Austrian Hoteliers’ Association (ÖHV).
At 71 percent, the majority of hotels maintain their prices or increase them by a single-digit percentage. And 36 percent of those surveyed expect a shorter stay based on previous bookings. 39 percent of hoteliers assume that guests will also save on additional costs. “We started the season better,” Veit said.
Workers urgently needed in the industry
56 percent of hoteliers expect the same number or more guests, 44 percent with fewer. About 17 percent see increases or losses of 20 percent each. And 49 percent of holiday hotels expect declines. Another major problem is the lack of employees. Because 81 percent of the companies surveyed still hire employees, especially in the kitchen, service and reception.
High electricity costs as a problem
Veit sees high electricity costs as another problem: the price of electricity per kilowatt hour has risen from 11 cents last year to over 19 cents this year and to 32 cents next year. “No one can offset the tripling of electricity costs by cutting back,” says Veit. Ultimately, the cost of wages, food, and interest would also rise.
And only ten percent of hotels can fully pass on the increased costs. About twelve percent know how to charge between 80 and 99 percent of the additional costs and a quarter of the respondents can add at least 50 to 879 percent of the additional costs to the prices.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
