Ukrainian hotels are filled to 50%, and one football championship will not be able to save the situation.

Politicians promise that Euro 2012 will be a chance for the revival of Ukrainian hotel market.

However, the players want more transparency of regulation, and rely on a steady stream of creditworthy visitors in the next few years.

The real number of hotels - is unknown

According to statistics, there were more than 1.7 thousand hotels in 2010 in Ukraine with the total number of rooms is about 80 thousand.

How many hotels in fact, nobody knows. Along with the big hotels, which are difficult to overlook, there are a lot of small hotels in Ukraine with number of rooms from 5 to 50. Some of them do their business without the necessary permits.

Especially a lot of "illegals" in the traditional vacation spots - the Crimea, the Carpathians, and also along automobile roads.

In addition, with hotels compete successfully rented apartments and suites. According to estimates of the Association of small hotels and apartments, about 60% of this business is in the shade.

All placements of Ukraine in 2010, gave shelter to 21 million foreign tourists, and also numerous Ukrainian travelers.

Hotels loaded by half

The majority of Ukrainian hotels are working at half their capacity. In 2010, according to Mayger Development & Consulting, occupancy rate of hotels in Ukraine amounted to an average of 45-55%.

In Kiev, the average annual load of hotels in 2010 was at 50%, whereas before the crisis, in 2008, it was possible to speak about 60-65%.

During the crisis, decline in business activity reduced the number of visits from abroad, but also reduced business trips within the country. And it was the business travelers are the main category of guests for most hotels and especially high-class.

Hotels are used to living without the stars

Today Ukrainian hotels do not necessarily have a category. It is mandatory only certificate for compliance with safety requirements.

Many hotels operate successfully and without category. For example, among the hotels and resorts of the Crimea is only slightly more than 30 have "star status".

Guests the absence of stars usually not confused. Firstly, for most Ukrainians, the deciding factor is price. Secondly, people have long accustomed to the fact the stars on the front does not guarantee quality of service, but mean higher costs.

But soon the existence of the category can become necessary condition of each hotel. Decide the fate of the amendments to the Law "On Tourism" The Verkhovna Rada may have on July 8.

According to the vice-president of the Association of small hotels and apartments in Ukraine Roman Ponomarenko, mandatory categorization of hotels by the new standards would help bring order to the industry and identify all the hotels that operate without permits.

Investment, profitability and return on investment

The size of the required investment in the hotel depending on its location, class, number of rooms.

According to the Association of small hotels and apartments, a hotel with 50 rooms in Kiev and in megacities will require an initial investment of about $ 5 million. Hotel of 20 rooms in other regions of Ukraine "pulls" $ 350-500 thousand.

The investments needed in one room at class 5 stars in the condition of building from scratch is estimated by experts at $ 200-250 thousand, and a number of 3 star hotel may require about 80-120 thousand.

For the payback to the hotel at around 8-10 years. Small hotel in the resort areas can pay off quickly - within 4-5 years, and large hotels 3 stars may take up to 12 years.

However, the return on investment is possible only when adequate filling of the hotel guests, a minimum of 60-65%, - experts say.

5 stars - enough, and motels - there is no.

According to the experts of hotel market in any segment competition is not felt. Hence the high prices and problems with the service.

Market luxury hotels 5 stars came closest to saturation. In view of the hotels that are already there, as well as new hotels under construction - Fairmont, Hilton, Sofitel, Swissotel (Kiev), Four Points by Sheraton (Kiev), Kharkiv Palace (Kiev), a couple of years offers high-end will be more than enough.

In the market also not enough high-quality budget hotels - 3 star and below, as well as roadside motels and hostels.

Experts in one voice say: just as the market feels stable purchasing power, there will be appropriate proposals.

Euro 2012: UEFA - hotels, fans - hostels

Euro 2012 is often called one of the greatest incentives to develop the hotel sector in Ukraine.

One of the conditions of the Euro 2012 in Ukraine is the presence of slightly more than 18 thousand numbers 3-5 stars level. Of them, 7.3 thousand rooms have to Kiev.

These rooms are intended primarily for family of UEFA, Referee crews and office building championship.

Simple as fans, supposed to be living in small hotels, hostels and rented apartments.

Under the state target program of preparation for Euro 2012 in Ukraine should be built or renovated 20 hotels Class 5 stars, 48 hotels with 4 stars, 44 hotels 3 stars hotels and 6 level 2 star. This will prepare the necessary number of rooms.

However, the problem with the placement of fans already foretaste, for example, in Donetsk, where will be carried out one of the semi-final matches of Euro 2012.

There will need about 5.5 thousand rooms for staff and fans of UEFA and for the championship will prepare no more than 4 thousand numbers. The difference will be covered by neighboring Kharkov and Dnepropetrovsk.

"Most likely, these cities will organize charter flights to the semi-final match," - says the head of the preparation and holding of finals of Euro 2012 Cup Sergei Repin.

Market players emphasize: Euro 2012 - not a panacea for the hotel industry. Little to build and reconstruct hotels to take tourists during Euro 2012, it is necessary to ensure a steady flow of tourists in the coming years.