Olbia The first numbers certainly put a smile on your face, but the time to uncork the sparkling wine has not yet arrived. The season is taking its first steps and Fabio Fiori, president of the Olbia hoteliers’ association, prefers to fly low. The first data, regarding Olbia, say that, already in mid-April, bookings for the summer period exceeded those recorded in April a year ago by 20-30 percent. «For us it is certainly a good sign – says Fiori -. The path traced seems to lead towards a positive season, but we must pay close attention. We are at the beginning and there are various reasons that should not push us towards triumphalism and easy enthusiasm.”
First of all, we must take into consideration the increasingly marked trend of advance bookings, especially by foreigners. And then there is the rest, from wars to the cost of transport to the slightly too high prices both in hotels and in the city’s clubs. «Let’s remember that, not too far from us, two conflicts are underway – says Fiori, who is also a Federalberghi manager -. Olbia is a city connected to the world, ours is also international tourism and we certainly cannot ignore what is happening. We must think increasingly from a global perspective. An example: the cost of fuel fluctuates and can affect travel. Wars aside, Sardinia also has to deal with competition, sometimes even aggressive, from other Mediterranean destinations.”
In short, it is forbidden to rest on our laurels. The story of the next season is still to be written. «And let’s not forget the question of connections – continues Fiori -. We are an island and people can only arrive here by ship or plane. The companies naturally do their business, as it should be, but politics, particularly regional politics, should monitor the situation and set certain limits. The risk, otherwise, is that in certain cases the right profit turns into speculation. Particularly in Olbia, considering what it means to have the Costa Smeralda just a stone’s throw away.”
Then an even more urban issue: the prices are sometimes very high both in hotels and in bars and restaurants. «The discussion obviously does not concern all operators – underlines Fiori -. My invitation is only this: give the right service at the right price. In short, services must be paid for correctly. It is essential that entrepreneurs put the utmost seriousness into it.” Both in terms of prices and staff management. «For some time it has been a great struggle to find sufficiently prepared and trained staff – says Fiori -. It’s a discussion that concerns many categories, not just ours. At the same time, however, it is true that sometimes seriousness is lacking. The percentage is fortunately low, but it happens that adequate contracts are not offered or that overtime is excessive and perhaps not always paid. Anyone who behaves badly discredits the entire category.”
