Holidaymakers are sounding the alarm: rising prices and a lack of infrastructure on the Baltic Sea!

Holidaymakers are sounding the alarm: rising prices and a lack of infrastructure on the Baltic Sea!

The Baltic Sea continues to enjoy great popularity, but holidaymakers are no longer so easily convinced. Enrico Becher from Saxony expresses concern about the current holiday situation on the coast. Despite the travel fever, many tourists struggle with their cars and bicycles through crowded streets on Usedom and Rügen. “The rising prices are outrageous, while at the same time the offers are not getting any better,” says Becher, disappointed. According to him, there is no improvement in the infrastructure that he had hoped for. What strikes him as particularly negative is that many retailers and restaurateurs do not accept card or cell phone payments. That doesn't make holiday fun any easier. Northern Courier reports that online reservations are often inadequate and the lack of 5G reception causes many people to shake their heads.

The pricing policy, especially in the area of ​​hostels, is also causing dissatisfaction. Becher criticizes the fact that additional fees are often charged for bed linen and towels. In a comparison with holiday destinations in Croatia and Italy, he gets the impression that they offer significantly more for the money. “There are asphalt parking spaces with charging stations, options for cashless payment and beach showers, which you won’t find here,” continues Becher.

Popularity of the region

Despite the criticism, the German Baltic Sea coast remains a popular travel region. In 2024, one in eleven Germans spent their vacation there, and the numbers speak for themselves: East German accommodation providers reported 28.9 million guests and recorded 85.7 million overnight stays, which is the second best record in history Statista.

The islands of Rügen and Usedom in particular are benefiting from the popularity, with Rügen, as the largest German island, taking the top position with around 1.4 million guests (including Hiddensee) in 2024. Usedom follows with around 1.2 million arrivals in the same year. The average length of stay is just under five days, and the mild temperatures in July and August make these months particularly attractive for beach vacationers.

Market development and challenges

However, those affected must also take into account the challenges in the industry. In 2024, developments in the East German hospitality industry were characterized by inflationary pressure and the return of regular VAT in the catering industry. Guests' reluctance to consume and price adjustments led to a decline in sales in the industry. Profit margins reached 8.4 percent in 2023, their lowest level since 2017 OSV.

Becher not only criticizes the local conditions, but also sees a tendency for holidaymakers to migrate to the Polish Baltic Sea, where better value for money is offered. Poland scores with excellent 4 and 5 star hotels as well as wellness and spa offers. Becher therefore also recommends the North Sea coast and the Dutch islands as attractive alternatives.

In summary, the Baltic Sea remains a popular travel destination, but the pressure on providers is growing and many holidaymakers are ready to move to other destinations in 2025. It remains to be seen whether the criticism and market developments will impact tourism decisions in the coming years.