German hospitality gets boost in May but turnover still sharply down

Berlin (dpa) – Hotels and restaurants in Germany got a much needed boost in May, when coronavirus restrictions were eased for the industry, but turnover was still 65 per cent below the pre-crisis level, according to data released on Monday.

Turnover increased on the previous month by 44.9 per cent in real terms or 45.2 per cent in nominal terms, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said.

But compared to May 2019, turnover collapsed by 64 per cent in real terms or 63.4 per cent in nominal terms.

Germany banned overnight stays for tourists in hotels and other accommodation from mid-March, as part of a raft of sweeping closures and restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

Restaurants were closed from March 22 with the exception of takeaway food and delivery services.

The restrictions have been gradually eased since mid-May.

Hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation accounted for the most severe downturn in May, posting an 80-per-cent drop in real terms year on year.

In the restaurant sector, turnover was down by 54.6 per cent.