The Austrian hotel industry looks back on a summer that went as expected, as the semi-annual survey of 221 leading companies conducted by the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV) shows.
The industry is expecting a largely stable development for the coming winter: 42% of the hotels surveyed expect more overnight stays, while 39% expect a decline. Despite this stability, there are challenges: many guests are booking shorter stays and spending less on additional offers such as food, drinks or the spa area.
ÖHV General Secretary Markus Gratzer stresses the importance of winter tourism for the Austrian economy, but warns of the economic burden caused by increased costs. Hotels are feeling the pressure both on the expenditure side and due to the reluctance of guests. Around 70% of hotels can only partially pass on the increased costs to guests, which in many cases leads to a drop in profits.
The willingness to invest is also dampened: while 50% of companies are maintaining their plans, 44% have had to reduce them. Gratzer is therefore calling for a rapid relief program from politicians to stimulate the economy and avoid new taxes.
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