For Valentine’s Day, turnover is expected to increase 15% in 2022, compared to 2021. Gifts of all kinds, dinners and lunches, and flowers are seasonal options.
During February, thanks to the momentum of the next day 14, commerce, restaurants and even hotels will benefit from the economic movement generated Valentine’s Day.
According to estimates from Chambers of Commerce such as the one in Guayaquil, at the national level it is expected that sales are 15% higher than those registered in the same period last year.
What’s more, the goal is to even exceed the $5,081 million of 2019 by 7%, when the pandemic it was not even a possibility in the country.
Thus, the billing would reach approximately $5,415 million. This means that, during this month, it will be sold, on average, $193 million daily in stores, markets, restaurantsbars, shopping centers, among others.
Alicia Romo, a retailer, commented that Valentine’s Day It is the first big date in the business calendar and is an important boost for small and medium businesses.
«Since the end of January 2022, the seasonal promotions. In general, these promotions are between 15% and 30%. Gift offerings range from simple items under $5 to $100 and up,” he said.
In addition, Romo pointed out that the increase in capacity, due to the relaxation of restrictions from the National COEmeans an extra boost for this 2022.
Opportunity for the hard-hit tourism sector
After a bad start in 2022, Valentine’s Day It is an opportunity for the hotel and tourism industry to start engines for the Carnival holiday.
Historically, the so-called Day of Love and Friendship drives an increase of between 30% and 50% in sales of the restaurants, which need to overcome the fall in January linked to the rebound in infections by COVID-19.
The offers of special menus, not only for couples but also for families, range from cheaper options of $15 to more than $50 per person.
Holbach Muñeton, president of the National Federation of Chambers tourismpointed out that hotel occupancy fell 30% in January 2022. Until the end of 2021, that occupancy had recovered by almost 50%, but at the beginning of this year, with the resurgence of coronavirus casesthe tourism sector had a setback.
In this stage, Valentine’s Day could help to recover at least 10% of that fall and in this way the sector arrives strongly at the Carnival holiday.
According to businessmen in the sector, rates, however, are still, on average, 50% lower than they were until 2019.
Flower exports also grow this season
Despite the fact that international logistical problems have prevented the export of 2,500 tonsthe flower sector is optimistic about the increase in sales related to Valentine’s Day.
Altogether, the seasonal exports of this sector reach 28,385 tons. Approximate revenues are in the order of $261 million, which represents 30% of total sales projected for 2022.
The main destination is the United States, but the ecuadorian flower has been able to gain presence in another 133 destinations worldwide. All this due to its great quality and variety.
In normal terms, around 435 cargo planes are needed to handle all flower exports, but now there is up to 24% less space. (JS)
