Tourism entrepreneurs are projecting an 11 percent rise in prices alongside a 19 percent uptick in operating costs. They also highlight that the latest survey from Quaderns Gadeso indicates a 12.5 percent dip in activity. In this climate, business leaders describe 2023 as a period of genuine uncertainty, signaling that volatility will be a defining feature across the sector as the year unfolds.
Following two years of pandemic disruption and a notably positive seasonal performance, the current analysis shows subdued profitability forecasts and a climate of pronounced doubt. The researchers emphasize that inflation will play a decisive role by eroding consumer purchasing power and driving up the costs tied to tourism operations. This dynamic is especially challenging for smaller firms, which have fewer buffers to absorb price shocks and supply-cost fluctuations while remaining competitive in a crowded market.
With the escalation in costs, there is a tangible impact on the price of raw materials and energy—areas that directly affect the bottom line. Government programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and the self-employed are seen as a potential mitigating factor, offering a lifeline that can help businesses maintain operations, preserve jobs, and sustain service quality as market pressures mount. In this context, the availability and accessibility of such assistance become critical in preserving local tourism ecosystems and sustaining regional economic recovery for communities that rely on visitors and seasonal traffic.
Within the accommodation segment, about one-third of entrepreneurs report feeling restless and insecure. This concern intensifies as electricity prices continue to climb, exerting a direct influence on transportation costs and the spending capacity of travelers. The data suggest that profitability cannot be built on peak-season performance alone; a more balanced year-round strategy is necessary to weather energy volatility and evolving consumer behavior, which increasingly favors value-driven experiences over merely disposable spend during the high season.
The outlook for firms that offer complementary services shows slightly worse profitability expectations, with an estimated decline of nearly eight percent. Activity is projected to fall by around sixteen percent, with price reductions near ten percent and costs rising by about eighteen percent. The broader economy, characterized by intensified competition with all-inclusive packages and persistent inflation, is prompting visitors to tighten budgets, restrict discretionary spending, and rethink how they allocate funds while traveling. This evolving dynamic underscores the need for hotels and allied providers to rethink value propositions, streamline operations, and emphasize experiences that deliver tangible benefits to guests, encouraging longer stays and higher overall satisfaction despite cost pressures.