Youth hostels expect a beautiful 2022

Youth hostels recorded a total of approximately 752,000 overnight stays in 2022. This is 2.1 percent more than in 2019, when 736,000 overnight stays were counted. The growth is mainly due to the return of schools and groups, as well as international guests.

“Since April 2022, the numbers are almost without exception above 2019 values, and since August, for example, Asian guests have returned again,” SJH CEO Janine Bunte told AWP news agency.

Due to the corona pandemic, the number of overnight stays has decreased from March 2020. In the first Corona year of 2020, the numbers have dropped to around 485,000 overnight stays. The following year, in 2021, the number of guests rebounded to approximately 565,000 overnight stays.

The reservation situation, which is currently positive again, was also reflected in 2022 operating income. This is approximately 54 million francs, an increase of 7 million compared to 2019.

The diversity of youth hostels increased

But it should be noted that since 2019, new youth hostels such as those in Burgdorf, Laax or Schaan have opened, Bunte said. Without this widening of the proposal, the 2022 figures would have been roughly on par with 2019.

Looking ahead, Bunte is confident: “The booking numbers for the first continuous regular winter season since 2018/19 are promising,” said the SJH boss. Half of the budgeted overnight stays, which were never like this before Corona, are already booked.

However, Bunte did not want to set a new overnight record for 2023. The year is still young and it’s better to stay cautiously optimistic: “But the signs are good.”

Bunte said that companies also expanded their product ranges during the pandemic. For example, in the field of accessibility or in cooperation with schools. However, inflation did not leave youth hostels empty either. But instead of raising prices, they tried to save money elsewhere. (SDA)

Source :Blick