Munich (dpa / lby) - The Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger (free voters) expects a good tourism winter season. Although rising food prices and high energy costs are causing problems for the tourism industry, he expects stable demand in the first winter without corona restrictions, he said in Munich on Monday. "Even if many households have to save, vacation and free time are at the top of the wish list."
Aiwanger spoke out against corona restrictions: "We want to celebrate Christmas this year, as we have always done. That is important for the people's soul. And that also includes Christmas parties and visiting Christmas markets." Cable cars should not be closed either. The "corona rabble-rousers" would "create a mood" again, said Aiwanger about the advocates of pandemic measures. Here you have to defend the tourism industry.
The Economics Minister also took a clear position on the subject of snowmaking. There should be no fundamental debate here. Without snowmaking, people would drive abroad, which would ultimately result in more CO2 emissions.
The summer season has gone very well for tourism, Aiwanger said. From June to August, the level of the pre-Corona year 2019 was reached again with 33.5 million overnight stays. He is particularly pleased that city tourism, which has come to a standstill due to Corona, is picking up again.
Representatives of the tourism industry were also optimistic about the winter season on Monday. They named energy supply and prices as well as staff shortages as the biggest problem areas.
