In July, hope was sparked for the hotels, but new figures show that revenues are now plummeting again.
Stockholm and Gothenburg are among the worst-affected regions with an 80 percent loss of revenue.
The industry organization Visita has produced figures for the tourism industry during August up to last Wednesday. The largest drop in revenue took place in Stockholm with a minus 84 percent. The overall drop for hotels in the major cities during the period was 77 percent.
”"During July, the lights were turned on a little for the tourism industry in tourist resorts. But now the lights are going out again, many go from full occupancy to almost none at all at the end of August and in September," says Jonas Siljhammar, CEO of Visita.
”"The hotel and meetings industry has a very dark autumn and winter ahead of it. We are once again in the eye of the storm, it is very worrying."”
The total loss of revenue from the start of the pandemic in mid-March to August 19 was 71 percent for hotels in Sweden on average. In the big cities, just over eight out of ten revenue kronor disappeared compared to the same period last year. The biggest drops took place in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
”"The enormous loss of revenue shows that hotels and conference facilities need continued support measures. The adjustment support must be extended to last through the summer," says Jonas Siljhammar.
”If the industry is to survive after the pandemic, support is needed.”
Visita also wants to see the rent reduction system fully utilized and extended. The trade association also wants an extension of reduced employer contributions.
”"We are a large industry with around 200,000 employees, many of whom are young. Eliminating employer contributions for younger people would be a good support measure," he says.
On Friday, the government announced easing regulations in two areas later this fall. One measure concerns the possibility of allowing certain events for seated audiences in restaurants and cafes.
The second proposal concerns certain exceptions to the rule of a maximum of 50 people at gatherings.
”"Today's announcement from the government is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough when it comes to the lack of foreign visitors or business travelers," says Jonas Siljhammar.
”"But it's clear that it helps if we can have some pub and Christmas dinner shows, albeit with a limited audience."”
Source: di.se
