The Christmas season looks set to be a success, but rising energy prices, among other things, will cast a shadow over the coming months in the hospitality sector.
Christmas parties are back to almost the same pattern as before the corona epidemic. The Hämeenmaa cooperative store, Vanajanlinna and Mukkula Manor report that demand for Christmas services has returned close to 2019 levels.
Rising costs hit accommodation and restaurant businesses
A year ago, the interest rate situation started to deteriorate just during the Christmas season and restaurants were subject to interest rate passport requirements towards the end of November, resulting in cancellations of Christmas reservations.
This Christmas season looks set to be a success, but new uncertainties are casting a shadow over the coming months for the hospitality sector.
– Here, like everyone else, we are fighting against high energy prices. There is a big question mark, what the amount below the line will be this year, says Pasi Jääskeläinen, chairman of Maran Päijät-Häme.
The beginning of the year is quieter in restaurants again.
– After all, the Christmas season is quite short before the so-called bull weeks of January-February begin. Then nothing will happen until blinis and a skiing holiday get people moving again, says Jääskeläinen.
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