(AOF) – In a market context driven by strong demand for its two Boat and Housing activities, Beneteau ended the 2021 financial year with a turnover of 1.23 billion euros, up 11.9 % on a reported basis and 12.9% at constant exchange rates. Sales growth was particularly strong in the 4th quarter, almost doubling compared to the same period of 2020, reaching 303.8 million euros.
This solid performance allows Beneteau to envisage a current operating profit for 2021 higher than the last forecast communicated (between 59 and 65 million euros).
At the same time, the group adds that cash net of financial debt at the end of December 2021 will stand at a level above 200 million euros.
Finally, even if tensions in the supply chain are still very present, Beneteau confirms a double-digit growth forecast for the 2022 financial year.
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Hospitality & Leisure: new expectations from travelers
The sector suffered a 74% drop in tourist arrivals worldwide in 2020 according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). At 500 million, these arrivals have fallen to their level of the early 1990s.
Globally, the sector lost 1.3 trillion dollars last year following the Covid-19 pandemic. A return to normal is expected for 2023, particularly under the effect of vaccination, with changing requirements.
Continued growth for major global hoteliers
In 2020, the hotel park of the major operators has progressed according to the firm MKG, with the exception of that of the Indian Oyo and the American Wyndham. The 54.3% contraction in its customer base pushes Oyo from second to ninth place, due to its decline in China (-75%). On the other hand, the three major Chinese groups (Jin Jiang, Huazhu, and BTH), which are among the top ten global operators, have continued to expand. Their domestic market, in the recovery phase from 2020, shows considerable needs.
Jin Jiang, which notably owns the French Louvre Hotels Group, has regained its place as number two in the world. As for the world leader, the American Marriott International, the growth of its park exceeded 3%, as well as for Accor, and it almost reached 5% for Hilton.
This expansion can be explained by the economic model of the major operators and by the appetite of investors, who are confident in the sector’s medium and long-term prospects.
Emergence of a new tourism
Local tourism, which has suffered the least from the health crisis, should emerge strengthened. On the other hand, business travel should continue to be penalized in the short term for health reasons and because of the reductions in company costs authorized by new tools (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
Travelers’ expectations have evolved. They are more sensitive to flexibility (possibilities of cancellation, flexible departure dates, etc.). Several tour operators believe that prices should increase to take into account the
and
s ecological costs and a rebalancing of wages. They believe that operators offering a differentiating experience should be the big winners from this crisis.