Tourism industry's revenue shifts - facilitating advancement - Record-breaking tourism revenue growth - ensuring sustainable progress
Record Tourism Revenue in Schleswig-Holstein: Long-Term Development Plans Unveiled
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, boasts a record-breaking revenue in the tourism sector, according to Economic Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen. Pledging to secure this revenue for future growth, the industry must focus on acquiring skilled workers, quality development, and sustainable infrastructure, as Madsen revealed during the presentation of the Sparkassen Tourism Barometer in Neumünster.
In 2024, the industry accrued a gross revenue of approximately 10.8 billion euros, marking an increase of around 400 million euros compared to the previous year. Overnight tourism yielded 6.4 billion euros, while day tourism brought in around 4.4 billion euros.
However, the acquisition and retention of skilled workers poses a significant challenge for the industry. "Conversations have taken place within the industry regarding the general applicability of collective agreements," said the Minister of Economics, stressing the need for employees to be acknowledged. Successful tourism relies on the availability of qualified workers, according to Madsen.
Meanwhile, uncertainty in the German economy, with two years of stagnation, has weakened tourism in the north, Sparkassen and Giro Association President Oliver Stolz highlighted. As a result, vacationers exhibit caution, holding back consumption. Additionally, businesses are reluctant to invest due to the uncertain economic outlook. "Effective measures are urgently needed for a genuine economic recovery," Stolz stressed.
Looking positively on investment packages for infrastructure and security, as well as the new black-red federal government's willingness to reduce bureaucracy, Stolz suggested these initiatives might result in easing regulations that burden catering and accommodation businesses.
The Tourism Association of Schleswig-Holstein spotlighted the importance of quality in ensuring competitiveness. "Quality equals competitiveness," Hans-Jürgen Lütje, Chairman of the association, declared. The survey revealed that guests are still seeking improved price-performance ratios and stronger commitments to environmental and social sustainability. "The balance between price and performance is necessary," Lütje stated.
Guests express appreciation for the region's landscapes, welcoming culture, sustainability, and carefully managed busyness. Lütje emphasized the need for continued investment in quality, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure. To ensure ongoing tourism prosperity in Schleswig-Holstein, the industry will need to employ various strategies, such as training programs, international recruitment, and quality assurance, among others, while tailoring efforts to meet regional requirements.
The Commission's proposal for a directive on the approval of the laws of the Member States, aiming to protect the environment, could provide the necessary framework for implementing sustainable tourism practices in Schleswig-Holstein, ensuring that businesses operate within eco-friendly guidelines.
Given the industry's reliance on skilled workers, securing financial resources for training programs and international recruitment initiatives becomes crucial in fulfilling Schleswig-Holstein's long-term development plans within the tourism sector.
