Water tourism is booming: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania secures billions!

Water tourism is booming: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania secures billions!

On June 19, 2025, Dr. Wolfgang Blank, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labor, presented a new water tourism study for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Schwerin. This study highlights the growing importance of water tourism for the country's economic development. With an annual turnover of almost 1 billion euros and over 19,000 employees, water tourism is a real mainstay for the region. The study, carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, also highlights that turnover in this sector has doubled in the last 15 years and there are now around 1,200 companies with around 1,650 contact points in the water tourism sector. Its goal is to address the industry's current challenges and find solutions to secure the future of water tourism in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. [Kanu.de].

The projects supported are very diverse - they range from the water hiking rest area in Sellin to the modernization of the city harbor in Waren (Müritz) to the pier in Koserow and the Usedomer See-Zentrum. These investments are by no means just a snapshot. They are part of the larger “Germany’s Lakeland” initiative, which aims to improve the connectivity of rivers and lakes. The aim is to create a cross-border, attractive water tourism offer and at the same time increase the quality of life of the population. DWIF also highlights the wide range of offers, ranging from houseboat and canoe tours to sailing on the Baltic Sea coast to fishing and surfing.

Recognize challenges and act

But not everything is going smoothly in the industry. The water tourism study identifies several challenges that need to be overcome. In addition to a significant lack of berths, there is also a massive labor shortage, which is hindering further development. Nowadays, despite the increased demand, we have the feeling that high levels of bureaucracy are paralyzing the industry. It is high time to focus on sustainable and qualitative growth in the next few years. The players in the industry are showing a high willingness to make greater use of e-mobility in order to meet the challenges of the future.

Social megatrends such as sustainability, digitalization and adaptation to climate change are particularly relevant. These trends not only impact supply, but also demand in this area. New target groups trying out low-threshold water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding are contributing to the diversification of water tourism. In addition, there is a broad section of society that is increasingly using its own water tourism equipment. Tourismusnetzwerk Brandenburg points out how important it is to take these trends into account and to react flexibly to the needs of guests.

In summary, the new study not only shows that water tourism is flourishing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but that the industry is also facing major challenges that must now be addressed. Those responsible have the opportunity to adapt their strategies and set the course for a successful future with innovative solutions. And that is also of immense importance for the region – for the economy and the quality of life of the local people.