It's not just the high energy prices that are currently causing concern for the tourism industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The hospitality industry, which is just gaining a foothold again after severe corona restrictions, fears a loss of guests due to general inflation.
Rostock (dpa/mv) - The tourism association Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania wants to counteract an imminent strong decline in guests in the north-east with the advertising campaign "The most beautiful thing in autumn". Alternatives abroad and a noticeably declining desire to travel against the background of rising energy and food prices are clouding the prospects for landlords in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the off-season. According to a current survey by the state tourism association, tourism professionals are feeling the seasonal decline in demand more clearly than in the previous year. Although a bed occupancy rate of 65 percent is still expected for September, it will only be less than 50 percent for October.
In the previous year, the large number of holidaymakers in the summer months lasted well into autumn. According to the association, a record value was achieved for the months of September to November with around nine million registered overnight stays. A good twelve million were counted in the first half of 2022.
Especially in centers like Hamburg and Berlin, large-format posters, newspaper and online advertisements are now being used to attract guests for a short holiday in autumn. "People shouldn't forget to travel. A short break by the sea and lakes can help to gather strength, take a deep breath and switch off for a moment," said Tobias Woitendorf, Managing Director of the tourism association. Cultural offers such as the Usedom Music Festival or the series of events that are held in the Castle Autumn should provide additional incentives.
After the sometimes very high and therefore often criticized prices for hotels, guesthouses and holiday apartments in the high season, special offers with room prices of 60, 80 and 100 euros should again attract holidaymakers from November. The campaign should then continue after the holidays around the turn of the year until the beginning of April. However, it is unclear whether, in view of the impending energy shortage, wellness offers will be available to the usual extent in autumn. According to the tourism association's survey, one in five companies is even considering temporarily closing down in order to contain the consequences of the energy crisis.
