Usedom on the edge of the collapse: lack of tourists and living space battle!

Usedom on the edge of the collapse: lack of tourists and living space battle!

Usedom, Deutschland - Vacation paradise like Usedom are a second home for many people, especially in the summer season. However, the island can reach the limits of its capacities. It is no secret that tourism on Usedom is the main support of the region. But this boom brings with it considerable challenges, as reported by the [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/overtourism-platt-plorpommern-aus-allen-naehten, overtourism-102.html)

overloaded streets and overcrowded trains are just a few of the side effects. Parking spaces will be rare and easy to get a doctor's appointment in the high season is a wire rope act for locals. In addition, the massive increase in holiday apartments pulls the rental prices for local living space, which significantly tightens the situation for the local population.

specialist shortage as a permanent favorite

Tourism is booming, but it rumbles in the background. The shortage of skilled workers is a serious problem, especially in the catering trade. The [ZEIT] (https://www.zeit.de/arbeit/2023-08/studiefachkraeftemangel- Gast industry) shows that almost 44,000 jobs in the hotel and restaurateurs are vacant. The lack of qualified workers is particularly pronounced, since almost 43% of the vacancies cannot be filled with suitable applicants. Chefs are particularly in demand and there are missing over 7,500 specialists in this area.

The NGG union has already raised the alarm and demands an increase in wages beyond the minimum wage in order to offer the existing specialists and potential newcomers an attractive perspective. The recruitment of trainees from abroad, for example from Poland or Vietnam, is a common practice to relieve the defect, but the long -term solutions are more than just short -term approaches.

challenges of hoteliers

Hoteliers on Usedom face further challenges that result from the increasing costs and competitive pressure both within Germany and from the other side of the border. A current [Top Hotel] (https://www.tophotel.de/usedom-tourismus-kaempf- against-den-den-den-350266/) report reports of new building projects that not only meet the needs of the guests, but also to meet the requirements of contemporary accommodations. The newly opened "The Breeze" hotel in Ahlbeck relies on a modern design and extensive services, including a wellness area and versatile gastronomic offers.

With 126 luxury units and various rental models, owners can benefit from a local return. Nevertheless, there is concern that increased room prices could hold many potential guests, which would influence tourism as a whole. The view of Swinemünde shows that the infrastructure and hotel industry are growing very quickly there, which means additional competition for the German hotels on Usedom.

The future of tourism on Usedom

The problems of overload and rental market can only be addressed through sustainable planning and construction of social living space. Initiatives who are looking for a balance between tourist attractiveness and the comfort of the locals are required. This also includes new approaches in the Tourism Act to get the overloaded streets and the infrastructure. One example is the planned bypass around Wolgast, which is to be completed by 2028 and could relieve traffic.