Turnover accommodation and food services 1.6 percent up in Q4

In 2019, turnover was up by 3.8 percent relative to 2018. The volume of sales (turnover adjusted for price developments) rose by 1.5 percent in 2019.

Over four consecutive years turnover growth for food and beverage services

In Q4, turnover generated by food and beverage services (including restaurants, fast-food restaurants, canteens, catering companies and cafés) rose by 1.7 percent relative to the previous quarter. For over four consecutive years now, turnover is growing. The volume of sales increased by 1.2 percent.

At 2.6 percent, fast-food restaurants (cafeterias, lunchrooms, snack bars, food stands, etc.) recorded the highest turnover growth. They also achieved the highest volume of sales.

Turnover accommodation services slightly up

Relative to Q3 2019, accommodation services realised a turnover growth of 1.2 percent in the subsequent quarter. The volume of sales increased by 1.8 percent.

Turnover generated by hotels grew by and the volume by 2.4 percent. Turnover generated by other accommodation services, such as holiday homes and campsites, grew by 1.1 percent relative to Q3.

Business confidence down to lowest level in six years

Business confidence in the sector accommodation and food services stood at 0.2 at the start of Q1 2020, the lowest level in six years. Over 70 percent of entrepreneurs in this sector reported they were facing impediments in their business operations. That is the highest percentage since 2013. Over one-quarter indicated that they are dealing with understaffing. The shortage of suitable personnel is also evident from the 20.5 thousand outstanding vacancies in the sector accommodation and food services at the end of Q4. Other frequently mentioned obstacles are insufficient demand (14 percent) and weather conditions (14 percent).