Energy crisis causes hotel prices to rise

The positive evaluation was overshadowed by the energy crisis, which was also reflected in the rising room prices. In terms of sales, most of the companies surveyed had a positive summer.

The vast majority of companies increased their sales compared to the previous year. Almost half of the companies increased by more than 10 percent compared to 2021. By contrast, less than one-fifth of companies experienced a more than 10 percent drop in sales.

As the survey shows, more than 50 percent of companies assume sales will reach at least pre-crisis levels this winter, even 75 percent in the Alpine regions. Only one in five companies expects lower sales compared to the previous year. In cities, more than two-thirds will surpass the previous year’s sales.

Due to rising energy prices and persistently high inflation, three out of four companies have adjusted their prices for the coming winter season. On average, the increases are around five percent from the previous year.

However, these increases can only partially mitigate the actual increase in costs. According to the survey, the rise in energy prices is causing serious financial difficulties for almost half of the companies surveyed.

Addressing the politicians, Hotelleriesuisse emphasizes that the temporary closure of hotels due to high electricity prices should be avoided at all costs. “Because the hotel industry, as a systematically relevant pillar of the tourism industry, performs important functions in creating value and jobs for all regions,” the survey says. A related position paper was published last week.

The survey was conducted by Hotelleriesuisse between 5-10 October 2022. During this time, approximately 170 members of the association answered questions about the current situation.

(SDA)