Bad weather is slowing down tourism in the Harz: What do we need to know?

Bad weather is slowing down tourism in the Harz: What do we need to know?

Located in the heart of Germany, in the picturesque Harz region, the region attracts many visitors every year. Guests should come in droves, especially in summer. But this year the reality is different. The bad weather has had a severe impact on tourism and bookings in hotels and restaurants are subdued. This comes from a report by news38 out.

As Rene Maksimcev, the hotelier from Güntersberge and vice president of Dehoga Saxony-Anhalt, explains, the industry is feeling the effects of the weather particularly strongly. “Bookings are being booked at shorter notice than ever before,” says Maksimcev. Long-term bookings of five to seven nights have almost disappeared, and the number of short-term cancellations exceeds last year. “The purchasing power of our guests has fallen,” he adds. In many popular accommodations that are otherwise fully booked, a surprising number of rooms are currently empty.

The influence of weather on tourism

The Harz will experience a decline in the number of overnight stays in 2024. Around 8 million overnight stays were recorded, which corresponds to a decrease of around 1.3% compared to the previous year, as reported by the Harz Tourism Association. Managing director Carola Schmidt sees the weather as a decisive factor, but still sounds optimistic about the industry. “Harz tourism is resilient to crises,” she explains, pointing to the challenges that have led to the loss of over 3,000 beds in the last five years.

More and more guests are using online portals for their bookings that allow short-term cancellations. This new booking practice, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for regions like the Harz, gives the industry hope. Despite the adversity, Maksimcev remains optimistic: The Harz remains a popular destination for active holidaymakers, and the summery charm of the region cannot completely diminish even bad weather days.

Tourism in Germany

In a broader context, it can be seen that tourism plays a significant role in Germany and contributes almost nine percent to the gross domestic product Statista communicates. In 2023, Germany enjoyed international revenue of $37.4 billion, while German travelers spent around $112 billion. These figures show that Germany remains one of the leading nations in international tourism, even if tour operators are struggling with a decline in bookings.

The variety of accommodations, including the approximately 12,200 hotels in Germany, contributes to the interest in this destination. Nevertheless, the shortage of skilled workers represents a challenge that the industry must overcome in order to continue to satisfy guests in the future.

In summary, despite the weather-related setbacks, the Harz remains an attractive destination with the potential for an upswing. It is only a matter of time before bookings pick up again and the region can unfold its full splendor.