BERLIN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turnover of the German hotel and restaurant industry in 2020 dropped by 36 percent year-on-year, according to estimates published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Monday.
Before Germany was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the temporary closure of hotels to tourists, the industry's turnover was still growing 4.5 percent in January and February last year, according to Destatis.
"After ten years of growth, sales in 2020 have slumped dramatically," Ingrid Hartges, chief executive officer of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), told Xinhua.
After a recovery of business during summer, turnover of the German hospitality industry in November dropped well below pre-crisis levels again, down by 66.4 percent year-on-year, according to Destatis.
A recent DEHOGA survey found that 75.5 percent of restaurants and hotels in Germany feared for their existence. One in four business owners were already considering giving up the business.
"Despair and existential fears are spreading", said Hartges. "The situation and mood in the hospitality industry are disastrous."
After Germany was hit by the second COVID-19 wave, a tighter lockdown was reimposed including strict contact restrictions and the closure of bars, restaurants as well as leisure facilities until at least the end of January. Again, hotels are not allowed to accept tourist overnight stays.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and the minister presidents of the federal states are expected to announce further health measures after their meeting on Tuesday. Enditem
