Heated discussion about holiday prices on Rügen: rip-off or justified?

Heated discussion about holiday prices on Rügen: rip-off or justified?

The debate about rising prices on the popular Baltic Sea island of Rügen is currently heating up tempers among holidaymakers. The background to this heated discussion is a post from a long-time visitor who complained about the overpriced prices and spoke of a “rip-off”. This topic has caused quite a stir on social media, particularly on Facebook. Many users share their experiences and make comparisons with other holiday regions in Germany, although opinions vary greatly. Some readers report similar prices in the catering industry, such as a beer for almost 5 euros or a pizza for 12 or 14 euros - completely normal on vacation, so the argument goes. But is this really justified?

Another point of discussion is the special nature of vacation trips, which usually promise enjoyment and relaxation. Therefore, the higher expenditure may be considered necessary. The short but busy summer makes it essential for many local businesses to adjust prices during this time. Not only are current prices at issue, but also the general perception that the cost of living has increased across the country.

Tourism on the rise despite challenges

The situation must also be viewed against the background of recent developments in tourism. According to information from Rügen-und-Mee(h)r, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was still a popular holiday destination in 2023 despite the mixed weather. From January to September, around 26.98 million overnight stays were registered, an increase of 1.6 percent compared to the previous year. Although the numbers are slightly lower compared to 2019, there is a clear upward trend.

The Minister of Economics and Tourism, Reinhard Meyer, sees the challenges facing the industry, but also offers an optimistic outlook: over 30 million overnight stays are expected for the whole of 2023. Nevertheless, rising raw material prices and energy costs have led to a change in purchasing power among guests, which is reflected in less spending. Despite these difficulties, 51 percent of the companies surveyed are satisfied with their economic situation.

Future of tourism in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

An important topic in the discussion about the future of tourism in the region is the demand to reduce VAT from 19 percent to 7 percent in order to stabilize prices for holidaymakers and further increase the region's attractiveness. While 66 percent of locals see tourism as important, only 26 percent see a personal benefit from it, indicating that there is still much work to be done to extend the positive effects of tourism to the local population.

The discussion about prices on Rügen will certainly keep us busy for a while. Critics and supporters need to come together to find the balance between pricing and the attractiveness of the region for everyone involved. A good hand in this matter could benefit both tourists and locals.