The hotel industry is still hardly feeling the consequences of the exploding energy prices. But experts fear the worst because cost increases of this magnitude cannot be passed on to prices – Dehoga is calling for state aid.
Dresden (dpa/sn) – With rising energy prices, concerns about the business survival of the businesses are growing in the Saxon hotel industry. “Without state aid, it must be expected that some, especially smaller, hotels will have to give up,” said Axel Klein, general manager of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Saxony, the German Press Agency. Dehoga currently wants to collect more information on the situation of its member companies.
According to previous knowledge, the companies would have to pay three to ten times as much for the energy, said Klein. These increases could not possibly be passed on in full to hotel guests. “The prices cannot simply be doubled.” Possibly 10 to 20 percent of the increase could be offset by cooler reception halls or cuts in staff. More is hardly possible. In addition, according to Klein, the financial reserves of the companies are usually used up after two years of the corona pandemic. Investments in more energy efficiency have already failed because construction companies and craft businesses are currently hardly available. It is also important for the catering trade that the value added tax, which was reduced from 19 to 7 percent during the corona pandemic, is retained at least until the end of 2023, said Klein.
A closed sauna or a cold swimming pool are not an option for the director of the Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel in Dresden, Sebastian Klink. These are particularly important in the rather weak months of the year. “The combination of sauna fun and a visit to the picture gallery can be an incentive for a visit to Dresden.”
Klink announced that there would be price increases. “But it has to stay within limits.” The hotel manager wants to invest. Older electrical appliances are to be replaced by modern ones, such as the large, 15-year-old dishwasher. A photovoltaic system is to be installed on the flat roof of the Bellevue and the insulation renewed. “It’s from 1985, when the house opened,” said Klink.
The Dresden Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski will be closed for ten months from the beginning of next year. The partly historic building will not only be renovated but also modernized, said hotel spokesman Clemens Degenhardt. Sustainability and greater energy efficiency also played a role in this. However, he cannot say exactly what is planned. But one thing is certain: the prices are rising – even the noble hostel in the middle of the old town opposite the Residenzschloss, Semperoper and Zwinger is affected by higher energy costs.
