Things are getting tough for Swiss tourism: The hotel industry, in particular, is groaning under the doubling of oil prices and much higher electricity prices. In a survey by the industry association Hotelleriesuisse, half of the companies said they were in serious financial trouble due to high energy costs. It writes “SonntagsZeitung”. If the price of electricity tripled, they would have to close their doors.
Many hotels get their electricity from the open market. According to the survey, energy costs have already increased this year and will increase by an average of 129 percent next year: “Houses will have to file for bankruptcy,” says Andreas Züllig, Head of Hotelleriesuisse.
low margins
The hardest hit has been companies that have had to renew their electricity supply contracts this year. Just like the four-star Hotel Adula in Flims. Director Paul Urchs expects energy costs to rise CHF 100,000 in the first quarter of 2023 alone: ”Margins in the hotel industry are already so low that we can no longer operate profitably with higher energy prices,” explains Urchs. “Sonntags Zeitung”.
Problem: The hotel is unable to pass higher costs to customers as room rates are already fixed for the winter season.
now needs support
The companies’ reserves have already been depleted by the pandemic and the franc shock. Also, banks are more reluctant to make new loans or charge higher interest rates. Due to the uncertain global situation, bookings have also remained below average so far.
Hotelleriesuisse President Züllig is now demanding measures from politicians to prevent a wave of bankruptcies. Züllig says closing loans or simplified procedures to register short-term work would be helpful. (SDA/koh)