Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: New tourism destination for southern Europeans!

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: New tourism destination for southern Europeans!

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania seems to be warming up as the region is increasingly being considered as an attractive holiday destination for tourists from southern Europe. The causes are clear: Heat waves in countries like Spain or Italy mean that many vacationers are looking for a bit of cooler air. A new concept could not only establish the region as a holiday destination, but also significantly boost tourism. [n-tv] reports that Rostock-Laage Airport could play a central role in this development. Future civilian shared use of the airport is being hotly discussed by the various parties involved.

Kai Otto, the head of the tour operator PTI Panoramica, has written to Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig and Economics Minister Wolfgang Blank. In it he emphasizes that a “significant increase in incoming numbers” is feasible, similar to what was the case with the Scandinavian markets. The last few years have shown that there is a certain potential in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to attract international guests.

Tourism on the rise

In 2024, the region recorded around 983,000 overnight stays by foreign tourists, which accounts for three percent of the total of around 32.9 million overnight stays. This suggests a growing trend, as Economics Minister Wolfgang Blank not only wants to maintain the proportion of international guests, but also further increase it [n-tv]. Dehoga state boss Lars Schwarz sees great potential in tourism and firmly believes that the privatization of the airport will not be the end of all possibilities.

The development of cruise tourism in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania also contributes to the positive trend. The region has established itself as an important location in Baltic Sea cruise tourism. [Government MV] reports that Rostock-Warnemünde, alongside Hamburg and Kiel, is attracting more and more cruise ships. In 2019, a total of 196 cruise ships with around 453,000 passengers came to Rostock-Warnemünde. A boost for the region that not only promotes tourism, but also creates numerous jobs.

Investments and infrastructure

The cruise scene benefits from significantly improved infrastructure: investments have been made in the port facilities over the years. The second cruise terminal in Rostock-Warnemünde, which was inaugurated in July 2020, now offers shore power for up to two Aida cruise ships. Such developments not only strengthen the region's image, but are also a real bright spot for the local economy [Government of MV].

• Rostock-Warnemünde: 196 Kreuzfahrtschiffe im Jahr 2019, 453.000 Passagiere
• Stralsund: 121 Flusskreuzfahrtschiffe mit 16.600 Passagieren
• Wismar: 10 Hochseekreuzfahrtschiffe mit 4.445 Passagieren
• Sassnitz-Mukran: 4 Kreuzfahrtschiffe mit 4.617 Passagieren

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's tourism strategy also focuses on future sustainability. [Statistics MV] focuses on the development of the number of guests, the economic situation of the companies and the perception and integration of locals. This is all happening as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at putting the region on the map as a quality holiday destination.

Overall, it can be said that Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is well on its way to establishing itself in international tourism as a summer resort for its southern European neighbors. The course has been set. Now it's time to exploit the full potential and inspire guests with the beauty of the region.