Ostsee tourism in the crisis: crowded beaches and shortage of skilled workers!

Ostsee tourism in the crisis: crowded beaches and shortage of skilled workers!

Usedom, Deutschland - The Baltic Sea coast has developed into a top travel destination for tourists from near and far in recent years. In particular, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region, with its popular spots such as Rügen and Usedom, attracts millions of visitors every year. But despite stable overnight stays, the industry is fighting with massive challenges. According to a report by moin.de, many companies have to struggle with a tense situation.

The tourism economic survey of the North German IHK shows amazing: guests are more and more booking at short notice, extending their stays less and less and spending less money. This development ensures great consumption and strain the mood in the industry.

challenges and risks for tourism

Lack of personnel and increased labor costs are central problems for many of the tourist companies in the region. Lars Schwarz, President of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, comments on the risks that go beyond labor costs: High energy prices and economic-political uncertainties contribute to the damped confidence in Baltic Tourism. Knud Hansen, deputy chairman of the IHK Nord, reports that 84% of the companies perceive the labor costs as the greatest risk.

The geopolitical situation has also negatively influenced international travel. The uncertainty and price sensitivity of the travelers gives many providers to worry about their future. According to Moin.de, even a quarter of the companies are calculated with a deterioration in the business situation.

The dark side of tourism

The increasing number of guests not only have economic advantages. The streets overheat themselves on Usedom, where tourism represents the main source of income, trains are often overcrowded, and parking spaces become in short supply. Locals have to adapt their everyday life to tourism, which leads to new tensions. This is also reported by the [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/overtourism-platz-plorpommern-aus-allen-naehten, overtourism-102.html).

in Göhren, a citizens' initiative, led by Nadine Förster, has started to campaign for the interests of the locals. The disadvantages of mass tourism cannot be overlooked: Difficulties in doctor's dates in the high season and the lack of specialists in the catering trade put many companies under pressure. In fact, a number of companies are now looking for trainees abroad to counteract the shortage of skilled workers.

living and quality of life in danger

The booming holiday apartments also mean that the quality of life of the locals is suffering. Rising rental prices and a lack of social living space affect everyday life. A two -room apartment in Zinnowitz currently costs around 1,000 euros. For many locals, only moving to the neighboring country of Poland, where the cost of living is lower.

In order to cod to the situation, improvements in the infrastructure and relief for traffic are required. A bypass around Wolgast, which is to be completed by 2028, is a first step in the right direction. In view of the urgent need to find the balance between tourism growth and quality of life, new approaches in the Tourism Act are required.