Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

German Hospitality Slumps in H1 as Sector Awaits 2026 VAT Cut

Official figures confirm a deeper first-half slump, with diners visiting less and spending cautiously.

Eine Servicekraft geht durch leere Tischreihen mit freien Stühlen.
Image
Unternehmen im Gastgewerbe in Deutschland haben im ersten Halbjahr spürbar weniger Umsatz gemacht als im Vorjahreszeitraum. Preisbereinigt sank der Umsatz von Restaurants, Hotels und anderen Gastbetrieben um 3,7 Prozent.
Image

Overview

  • The Statistische Bundesamt reports real gastgewerbe revenue fell 3.7% in H1 2025, with restaurants down 4.1% as nominal sales slipped just 0.1% after price hikes.
  • Momentum weakened into early summer, with June revenues down 5.9% in real terms year on year and dpa/Datev data indicating a further 4.0% decline in July.
  • The federal plan to lower VAT on restaurant meals to 7% from January 2026 remains the sector’s key policy relief, though operators say it will mostly cover higher costs.
  • Dehoga leaders, including Guido Zöllick and Thüringen’s Dirk Ellinger, welcome the tax cut but do not expect broad menu price reductions given rising energy, food and labor expenses.
  • The NGG union warns customers not to expect a “Schnitzel discount,” urges diners to ask where the savings go, and regional reports cite added strains such as COVID aid repayments and high-profile Berlin closures.