Challenges in the Hotel Industry: January 2024

Difficulties persist in the hotel industry in the early months of the year. According to the latest survey by the Polish Hotel Industry Economic Chamber (IGHP), January saw a decrease in the number of guests compared to previous months. Although the start of winter holidays in three provinces brought some revival, hotel occupancy was lower than last year. The average gross salary for basic operational positions in hotels was 4,861 PLN.

Data collected by IGHP shows that many hotels had low occupancy in January. The winter holidays brought better results for leisure facilities than for business ones, but many hoteliers still recorded declines. Hotel prices continued to rise, although the pace of growth noticeably slowed. However, many hotels still have poor forecasts for the coming weeks, with low reservation levels for February.

The second half of January, including the start of school holidays, also did not bring the expected improvement. Many hotels had low occupancy, especially in the case of business properties. Forecasts for February are also not optimistic, with most hotels still struggling with low occupancy and weak bookings.

In the context of rising labor costs, average wages for basic operational positions in hotels have also increased. The survey conducted by IGHP covered 111 hotels from across the country, showing the diversity of situations in different regions and types of properties. Most hotels are facing difficulties that may deepen in the coming months.

Source: Polish Hotel Industry Economic Chamber (IGHP)