“If the bills arrive, the hotels will be closed until Easter”
SAN MARINO. “If bills increase, 90% of hotels will close until Easter.” Rossano Ercolani, president of the San Marino Union of Tourism Operators (Usot), does not mince words. «Data in hand, for hotels, in 2020 an average of -75% was recorded compared to 2019. In 2021, the trend began to rise, reaching -50%. It has just gone better for the restaurants that have remained in the order of time wasters of -50% for 2020 and -30% in 2021 ». As for 2022, “on the hospitality front, the first five months of the year did not go very well, with a -25% decline, until the change of course that took place from June to August, when – continues Ercolani – we are back on line with the turnover of 2019 “. September, continues President Usot, promises to be in line with the pre-pandemic period.
The stumbling block bills
Having two hotels on the Titano and 8 in the beautiful country, the individual entrepreneur in the utilities is the point that makes the difference between the two countries. “In Italy, electricity bills have increased by 4 and a half times compared to 2021, while in San Marino up to the government he managed to calm tariffs with an increase in the order of 30-35% for electricity and gas, but – he broadens his arms – it is rumored that, as is more than understandable, there will be inevitable incrementals ». Therefore, if the rates hit mind-boggling figures, in his opinion “90% of the hospitality sector will have to close its doors, pending the Easter period”. An unavoidable choice, he declares, “not returning with receipts, moreover in the face of a fifth of customers compared to the summer ones”. At the moment, however, increases in foodstuffs are 25%, which are in line with cross-border increases because usually, he clarifies, they are purchased in Italy, “while the rise in prices of milk and dairy products continues”.
Laundry service skyrocketing
It adds another piece to the perfect storm scenario, putting the spotlight on the laundry sector forced to increase prices by 30%. “It is one of the items in the budget that weighs the most but certainly cannot be done without,” he acknowledges. With regard to upcoming events, he notes that the peak in attendance will be conquered by the Rally Legend “which in mid-October will almost guarantee sold-out, with the highest rates ever, then a physiological decline will follow until mid-December shortly before the recovery decreed by “The Christmas of Wonders” which gathers great acclaim ».
Winter in sight
Armellini says he is as optimistic as he is hopeful, because “people are tired and despite the difficulties at the gates they have to get out but – raise your hands – the problem will be being able to stay open”. Data in hand analyzes a 4-star business that in February 2021 collected 35 thousand euros, paying gas bills for 2,700 euros and 2,500 for electricity, noting that if the users flew to 20 thousand euros in the short term, it would be impossible to resist. And he adds: «We will close for the winter if we do not receive a tax credit, as rumored, of 50% and a control of 80% of the price of electricity per kilowatt hour, reducing the bills by 4 times. At the time of turning on the heating, 90% of hotels will decide to close, customers cannot be kept cold, especially – he concludes – the elderly or frail ».