Price increases are to be expected in autumn and next year, says Vamed Vitality World Director Gerhard Gucher in the Ö1 “Morgenjournal”. In his estimation, energy prices will also continue to rise. An increase of 350 percent can be expected for electricity, and even an increase of 400 percent for gas.
“A drop in the ocean”
Gernot Deutsch assesses the situation in a similar way: The director of the Heiltherme Bad Waltersdorf and regional chairman for Styria in the Austrian hoteliers’ association expects average additional costs per thermal bath of one million euros because of the horrendous energy costs.
In Styrian thermal baths, entry and accommodation prices have already been raised. Deutsch is assuming a price increase of 15 percent over the year. This is “a drop in the ocean from an economic point of view”. This could only cushion energy prices. Passing on the additional costs in full to the guests would lead to unrealistic prices.
Political support expected
At Vamed Vitality World, a price increase is on the cards, says Gucher. However, he also expects political support. So he calls for an adjustment of the value added tax to the level of the general hotel industry. While the VAT rate for the hotel industry is ten percent, it is 13 percent for the 36 thermal baths in Austria. In addition, Gucher demands a refund of the energy tax.
The thermal baths are currently trying to reduce their energy requirements. According to the “Morgenjournal”, additional photovoltaic systems will be set up. The residual heat of the thermal water is also used. And the conversion to LED lighting should also reduce energy consumption.
Source: Nachrichten
