Booking pressure at the ski resort company Skistar continues to increase. And it is primarily the Danish guests who are responsible for the increase this year.
“Despite the tough economy, many people still prioritize a ski vacation,” says CEO Stefan Sjöstrand.
Ski resort company Skistar had a good spring. Operating profit for the period March-May rose by 18 percent to SEK 418 million, compared to the same period last year. Revenues rose by six percent to SEK 1,490 million.
– It was a long and beautiful winter that started in November and lasted until May. This has meant that we have had a lot of guests, says Stefan Sjöstrand.
– Since then, we have continued to develop and invest in our business. New lifts have shortened our lift queues.
Investments of SEK 330 million are planned for next season, including better snow production and a new chairlift in Trysil.
More foreign guests
Although the winter season is far away in time, the booking pressure at the ski resort group continues to increase, compared to last year. Ahead of the upcoming winter season, the booking situation is nine percent better than at the same time last year, measured in number of nights, according to the quarterly report. According to CEO Stefan Sjöstrand, there are several reasons for this, including the Swedish krona.
– Many people choose to stay at home because of the weak currency and many foreign guests come here for the same reason.
But also because there is a snow guarantee up here in northern Europe due to climate change, says Stefan Sjöstrand.
– For us it is positive of course, but for the climate it is not good.
Increased price of lift tickets
Foreign tourists have also increased significantly. Germans, Dutch and British have increased by a combined 60 percent this year. But the largest single increase this year is accounted for by the Danes.
– We see that international guests choose to come to us in a completely different way than they have done before.
Currently, around 30 percent of Skistar's range is booked for the upcoming season, according to Stefan Sjöstrand.
And when it comes to the price of ski passes – the average price will increase by 4 percent this year. Which is mainly due to increased costs.
– Spare parts and all materials have increased in price significantly. We buy everything in euros, and due to the weak Swedish currency, there are increased costs.
Source: TT-Aftonbladet.se
