Hoteliers: Mehr Buchungen, aber Gäste schauen auch mehr aufs Geld

Hoteliers report increased bookings but guests are more price-sensitive The number of overnight stays in Austrian hotels rose by 1.5 percent in May and June according to Statistics Austria, prompting cautious optimism among hoteliers regarding the summer season. Despite high occupancy rates, guests are increasingly prioritizing cost savings, booking closer to their travel dates and opting for cheaper alternatives such as holiday apartments. Rising operational costs and the absence of particularly spendthrift visitors, especially from the Arab world, are causing concern within the industry. The Austrian Hotel Association looks cautiously optimistic toward the current summer season. According to data from Statistics Austria, the number of overnight stays in May and June was up 1.5 percent compared to the previous year. While the occupancy rate is high, there is a growing reliance on last-minute bookings. Guests appear more restrained in their spending, while operating costs continue to climb. The association’s spokesperson, Martin Stanits, noted that the first two months of the summer season represent the best performance since electronic record-keeping began in 1973/74. “It is important to have this positive start,” he said. However, he emphasized that rising expenses remain a key challenge. Holiday apartments are becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking value for money. Operating costs for accommodation businesses have risen significantly, leading some guests to opt for one- and two-star hotels instead. “The strongest increase is observed in commercial holiday apartments,” reported the industry spokesperson. Overall, the hotels are well booked, though not fully occupied, and the situation appears stable. “If nothing major happens, this will be a good summer,” Stanits added. Weather conditions remain a variable factor in the sector, but industry professionals acknowledge this as part of the business. Booking patterns are shifting toward shorter notice. Stanits described how some couples book accommodations only after arriving at their destination, which is less common with families traveling with children or business travelers who tend to plan ahead. At the Wellness and Seminarhotel Schlosspark Mauerbach in the Vienna woods, manager Angelica Freyler noted that bookings are now being made just ten days in advance, down from an average of ten days previously and six weeks before the pandemic. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior influenced by economic uncertainty and changing travel habits. Guests from the Arab region are notably absent, contributing to a sharp decline in bookings. Over the past year, there has been a significant drop in visitors from this area, with a 43.8 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Although these guests account for a small portion of overall bookings in Austria, they typically contribute substantial spending during their visits. Their absence is felt strongly within the industry. “This is especially painful,” Stanits remarked, highlighting the impact of reduced revenue from this demographic. Travelers from Germany and Austria make up the majority of overnight stays in local hotels. Changes are evident in other markets, with notable declines from Russia, Ukraine, and parts of the Middle East due to geopolitical factors affecting travel routes. These shifts underscore the volatility of international tourism and its dependence on global events. As the summer progresses, hoteliers will be monitoring both the continued trends in bookings and the potential effects of external influences on visitor numbers.