Sales figures: bad business in the hospitality industry

Germany’s innkeepers and hoteliers have also not saved the record of the first quarter. The sales from January to March were nominal by 0.3 percent above the level of the same period last year, as the Federal Statistical Office calculated. Adjusted for price increases (real), a minus of 3.4 percent in the books at the end of March.

From February to March of the current year, the proceeds, according to the Wiesbaden statisticians, fell calendar and seasonally adjusted both real and nominal by 1.3 percent. Something better than in gastronomy and at hotels and pensions, Caterern – at least in a nominal view.

Planned VAT cuts should help industry

The hospitality industry in Germany had completed the entire year 2024 with a real sales of sales. Because prices for drinks, food or overnight stays were increased, the industry managed to easily increase its nominal sales compared to the previous year.

During the Corona pandemic, the then federal government had temporarily supported the hospitality industry with a reduced VAT rate. The now governing black and red coalition wants to permanently reduce the sales tax for food in the catering trade in January 1, 2026 from 19 to 7 percent. However, it is questionable whether the prices are automatically reduced on the menus.