Ostsee tourism in danger: This is how Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is fighting for survival!

Ostsee tourism in danger: This is how Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is fighting for survival!

Usedom, Deutschland - The Baltic Sea is and remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Germany, especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Every year, millions of tourists come to enjoy the beauties of Rügen, Usedom and Lübeck Bay. But the boom also has its dark sides. As reports [moin.de] (https://www.moin.de/norddeutschland/ostsee-ruegen-usedom- tourism-beahr-massive- ID300693583.html), the local businesses are faced with massive problems, even if the overnight stays remain stable.

A brief look at the current situation shows that the tourism industry is increasingly characterized by challenges. According to the tourism management survey of the IHK Nord, guests book more and more short -term and remain less often. At the same time, the expenses of the travelers are falling. Lars Schwarz, President of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, speaks of a noticeable recovery of consumption. The lack of personnel, high labor costs, rising energy prices and uncertain economic framework conditions significantly impress the mood of the providers.

The challenges of the region

Especially in Usedom and the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald, the locals feel the effects of mass tourism directly. Overloaded streets, crowded trains and tight parking spaces are the order of the day. The locals adapt their rhythm to life to avoid tourist quantities - purchases often take place outside of the main times, and doctor's appointments are extremely difficult to get in the high season. Nadine Förster has therefore founded a citizens' initiative in Göhren to represent the interests of the locals.

The shortage of skilled workers in the gastronomy is another problem child. Many companies have to recruit trainees from abroad in order to meet their needs. Jörg Dahms from the NGG emphasizes that better payment is necessary to gain qualified specialists. At the same time, the decline in available living space means that rental prices rise. In Zinnowitz, for example, a two -room apartment now costs around 1,000 euros. More and more locals also choose to move to the neighboring country of Poland or in larger cities such as Volgast or Anklam to escape the high living costs.

a balancing act between tourism and quality of life

The increasing number of guests lead to an increase in holiday apartments, which further exacerbates the exhausted living space situation for the population. Approval for new apartments are often granted against the will of the municipalities. In order to maintain the balance between tourism expansion and quality of life, new approaches in the Tourism Act are required, as well as the need for regulations to regulate the market. A bypass around Wolgast, which is scheduled to be completed in 2028, could help defuse the traffic problems.

But the mood is not only tense in the region itself, geopolitical factors also contribute to uncertainty. The future prospects are steamed, even if 24 % of the companies expect the business situation to deteriorate. So far, political relief such as tax reforms have been a long way off. A clear answer to the question of how tourism in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can be made sustainable remains.

trends in tourism

At the same time, tourism is influenced by numerous trends. The focus on digitization and sustainability is becoming increasingly important. According to Statista, a decline in air travel and cruises can be observed, while individual trips and the desire for environmentally friendly vacation increase. More than 60% of Germans intend to make their vacation socially compatible, and a growing number of travelers make individual travel options such as solo transizing. At a time when social media and apps such as Google Maps and Booking.com influence travel behavior, the industry seems to move in a new direction.

In addition, there is a growing awareness of ecological aspects. More and more travelers value sustainable options and environmentally friendly mobility. Despite the challenges, the fascination for the Baltic Sea continues to attract tourists from near and far - but how long can this balancing act be maintained between need and overload? The local tourism sector is faced with the task of finding creative solutions in order to take into account both visitors and the quality of life of the locals.