The increase in energy services is an issue that continues to affect the tourismsector, especially because these services are becoming more and more expensive, even causing the closure of some accommodation before the start of the summer. That is why knowing the alternatives that we may have is more than beneficial, it is necessary.
As described by the digital newspaper Hosteltur, the inflation of recent months, driven mainly by the price of energy, is forcing the owners of rural tourism accommodation in Spain to think of alternatives to cope with the increases: installation of solar panels, pellet cookers and only open at times of high demand. The problem is global and hoteliers in Europe also argue that affordable energy prices are needed for the sector to survive this winter.
Electricity in vacation rentals and hotels
According to ClubRural data, the owner of an accommodation with a maximum capacity of 12 people in Albacete has gone from paying 1,450 euros for electricity in June and 2,450 euros in July to 3,260 euros in August, “of which 1,200 euros are for the gas cap”. Accommodation in Girona, with a maximum capacity for 16 people, went from 500 to 1,400 euros, and in Ávila, accommodation for 28 people, from 600 to 1,300 euros.
But what are the alternatives to be able to continue with the business, without the cost of energy affecting us very negatively?
- One of the alternatives proposed is to open in periods of lower demand: Despite the fact that rural tourism has also increased its rates due to the soaring cost of energy, eight out of ten owners believe that it is “unsustainable to maintain their accommodation”. This is why they are planning to open during the periods of greatest demand: “I have it very clear, this winter I will only open during long weekends and Christmas”.
- But this is not the only thing; the owners are also considering installing photovoltaic solar panels. According to the report “Perfil y tendencias del propietario rural 2022” by ClubRural.com, 22.7% already have panels installed and 20.4% plan to do so in the near future to offset costs.
- At the same time, they plan to replace the usual heating with pellet cookers; to have ceiling fans for summer 2023 and to install water radiator systems for boilers and fireplaces.
Any of these alternatives are valid, in order to alleviate the high energy costs and provide a quality service.
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