Energy, food, staff – hoteliers are also moaning under price increases. This also makes it more expensive for the guests!
After the corona-related hardships of the past two years, the wanderlust among Austrians is greater than ever. As reported, 80 percent want to take at least a few days of vacation this year, almost half of which in their own country. But for that we have to dig deeper this year – the wave of inflation also affects the hospitality industry, of course.
In addition to rising energy and food prices, workers are also demanding higher wages to cover their daily living expenses. A bill whose bottom line is that the guest also has to pay. The deputy head of the hoteliers association, Alexander Ipp, expects an average price increase of ten percent for this summer.
A lack of employees keeps the entire industry in suspense
Nevertheless, the booking situation is good, the mood in the industry is “very positive”, explains the new State Secretary for Tourism, Susanne Kraus-Winkler (see also the interview below). However, the mood quickly changes when the subject of personnel comes up. More than 15,000 hospitality jobs are open – many companies are required to take vacation days or limit kitchen hours. In any case, the industry faces “a lot of challenges,” explains Kraus-Winkler in the “Krone” interview.
„krone“: Madam Secretary of State, what “construction sites” did your predecessor Elisabeth Köstinger leave for you?
Susanne Kraus-Winkler: She was committed to the post of tourism minister during the most difficult phase in history, and the industry has come through the crisis well. Yet we face a number of challenges: the aftermath of a pandemic, war, price hikes and labor shortages.
Why are so many giving up a job in tourism?
Corona-related shutdowns, lockdowns, the lack of predictability have led to uncertainty. It is true that 183,000 people can be kept in work through short-time work. The problem, however, is that hardly any new employees have started in the industry in recent years – they are of course missing now.
Where are you going on holiday this year?
If it somehow succeeds, on an Austrian lake.
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.
