If the drastic increase in oil prices continues, the tourism sector says that before the new season they will be forced to increase the prices of arrangements, as well as gastronomic services, which are already high. They are calculating an increase of about 20–30%, but they say that everything will depend on the development of events.
They are aware that this will then result in inflation and many other problems.
"Oil prices will certainly affect the raw materials and materials that hotels and restaurants use. I will not be able to talk about percentages and figures now, because everything depends on the supply and demand in the market itself. With the reduced number of reservations, with cancellations by some colleagues, of course we are not in a position for any major increases in this period, although they are reasonable and necessary", Ana Jançeva - hotel manager in Struga.
But instead of raising prices, gastronomes in such a situation should offer lower prices, to attract as many guests as possible and to be more competitive with the region, says Ljubco Juzmeski, a tourist guide.
"Ohrid has nothing else to do but lower prices a little. We all want to earn from the work we do, but we can divide the work and income into more times, work for less money and then with lower prices, Ohrid will be full again and we will be satisfied again," said Lupco Juzmeski - a tourism worker.
The tourism sector estimates that the current situation will be a reason for tourists this summer to choose closer destinations, which they can reach by land. Therefore, they say that Ohrid and Struga should use this opportunity to attract more guests from the Balkans, but also from other European destinations, who are looking for quieter places for vacation. /Alsat
