Waikiki: Zeulenroda is finally losing its popular leisure pool!

Waikiki: Zeulenroda is finally losing its popular leisure pool!

The Waikiki leisure pool in Zeulenroda has closed its doors forever. According to a decision by the city council, the city of Zeulenroda-Triebes will not make any further investments in the popular bathing world, which has not been in operation since January 2024 due to the insolvency of the pool operator. The financial pressure was simply too high and a viable operating concept could not be found MDR reported. The city could face a repayment of almost 900,000 euros in funding, as the promised funds were tied to the condition of a central investment.

The Waikiki, which opened in 1997, was not only a leisure paradise with a Hawaiian flair, but also an important attraction for tourism in the region. The attractions ranged from crystal-clear lagoons to a 243-meter-long slide to an extensive wellness area with a variety of saunas and massages. This made the pool more than just a place to swim; It was an experience for young and old. Even the summer months were always well attended, whether in the sauna and wellness area or in the sports pool. However, these often busy areas are now empty and dilapidated.

An uncertain fate

The status of the building is now unclear. Despite several parties interested in the property, it remains uncertain whether their concepts can be realized. Thuringia.info emphasizes that the leisure pool played an important role in tourism development and that its closure could have a major impact on the region. Fears about negative impacts on regional tourism continue, which could pose a real problem for the city and surrounding businesses.

In a year with 2,545,980 overnight stays in Thuringian health resorts and spas, you can imagine how important the Waikiki leisure pool was for tourism. The leisure pool was not only a source of relaxation, but also an economic factor that secured numerous jobs. The Thuringian Spa Association highlights the importance of such facilities for the local economy and health and wellness tourism. In Thuringia, tourism in these spa towns generates an annual turnover of around 770 million euros, with the regions closely interlinked to maintain high quality and attractiveness - a challenge that the city of Zeulenroda will have to overcome in the near future, as it is now without Waikiki.

The challenge for the city

With the closure of the leisure pool, the city is not only facing financial problems, but also stagnating tourism development. The criteria for state recognition as a health resort are high, and without appropriate facilities, the city may lose not only tourists but also revenue. It remains to be seen how the city will strategically realign itself in the face of these challenges.

The closure of Waikiki is not only sad news for local residents, but could also have far-reaching consequences for all tourism in the area. A rethink is required to maintain the city's status as an attractive destination and to find new ways to attract visitors.