Thousands of domestic hoteliers want to claim compensation from the state because of the closures in the coronavirus crisis.
AUSTRIA. At least for the first two weeks of the blockade from mid-March – when the old epidemic law and an epidemic ban was in place instead of a ban on entry – many tourism companies hope for compensation, according to the Salzburger Nachrichten on the weekend. Most of the applications for compensation are in Tyrol with around 3,500, in Salzburg it could be more than 2,000 according to estimates by the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV). The state could have to pay hundreds of millions of euros in claims, the newspaper said.
The Salzburg Chamber of Commerce is assuming compensation for the hoteliers for this period, but the payment will take at least six months. However, the claim is “fundamentally undisputed”, quote the “SN” division manager Reinhold Hauk. According to the report, other experts argue that even compensation for a longer period of time is possible, since the ban on entry for vacationers is tantamount to a closure.
It has not yet been legally clarified whether and for what period compensation has to be paid. The highest courts will deal with the clarification.
As announced by the Minister of Tourism, accommodation providers may reopen on May 29, 2020. Details on the safety and hygiene requirements should follow in the next few days. The gastronomy is allowed from 15.05. Unlock between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. ÖHV President Michaela Reiterer: “We need clarity about the future roadmap to secure businesses through rapid liquidity and tax measures.” The Austrian Hotel Association supports its members, 1,500 quality companies, with the “Smart Restart” initiative with up-to-date information, individual assistance and practical advice such as a hygiene guide for the reopening due to the Corona crisis.
NEOS criticism of new “ghost hour” regulation
NEOS business spokesman Sepp Schellhorn criticized that the ban on entry for the hospitality industry and the accommodation industry should and will expire sometime before June 30th. “The restaurateurs and hoteliers must simply believe Köstinger and Co. that the bars can open again from May 15th and the hotels from May 29th – they cannot legally trust them! This is unworthy of a constitutional state. ”Schellhorn also criticizes the fact that the regulation lacks corresponding provisions, that the entry bans in the catering trade and in the accommodation establishments will expire on 14 or 28 May. This lacks legal certainty.
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