Dresden (dpa/sn) - Despite the fact that capacity utilization is still lower than in the years before the pandemic, Weiße Flotte Sachsen GmbH is satisfied with the 2022 season so far. In view of the situation with Corona, the Ukraine war and the energy crisis, the balance is positive, "even if we haven't achieved all of our goals," says managing director Victor Straubhaar before the finale of the main season. On Monday (from 9.30 a.m.) four of the historic ships will "steam off", complete with music and whistles.
"It was not a normal business year," said Straubhaar. There are no concrete numbers. The first quarter in particular was disappointing, as it was not possible to drive in January due to Corona. Analogous to the number of overnight stays in the city and the surrounding area, the first half of the year was around 75 percent of the occupancy rate of 2019. In the past few weeks, however, the situation has stabilized and developed positively, although people travel less and are more price-conscious. "And we got off with a black eye at low tide." Due to the renovation of the barrages, water was drained on the Czech side, which caused higher levels in the Elbe.
The White Fleet is now hoping for a successful autumn and winter, "we're actually going through it," including with historic Elbe steamers, said Straubhaar. They were converted in such a way that there is no loss of waste heat and it is "cosily warm" on board. Straubhaar is also "quite" optimistic for 2023. When it comes to energy costs, the price cap comes - and: "People want to travel despite everything."
