Gast house death in Vogelsbergkreis: a loss for the village community

Gast house death in Vogelsbergkreis: a loss for the village community

Vogelsbergkreis, Deutschland - In the Vogelsberg district, an alarming trend can be observed: the number of restaurants is sworn dramatic! In recent years, the decline in almost every community has become noticeable. Where an inviting restaurant used to be invited to conviviality in every village, there is often yawning emptiness today. The once flowering village inns, which acted as social meeting points after work, are well on the way to becoming a rarity.

Oliver Kasties, managing director of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in Hesse, comments concerned about the development. While only 19 municipalities in rural areas with less than a professional operation each were recorded 1000 inhabitants, there are already 42 communities in 2021 - and that in just four years! The undersupply has doubled from 4.5 percent to 9.9 percent. "Gast house death is a massive damage to rural areas," warns Kasties, and leads the increase in gastro VAT value and the exploding costs as the main causes. These developments lead to incessant price increases, which further reduce the number of guests and thus sales in the companies.

The challenges of the industry

The challenges for the restaurants are enormous. Many companies fight with investment congestion and a decline in the number of guests. In addition, the hosts are confronted with reclaims from the corona wages that have arisen by unclear communication of the federal government. These repayments could be threatening to exist for many family -run companies. Kasties sharply criticizes the traffic light government: "There is a lack of political action and appreciation for our industry." The disappointment among the restaurateurs is great and the economic damage due to the sudden tax increase is enormous.

Another urgent problem is the lack of successors in the companies. The restaurants in Hesse have a centuries of tradition and are of great importance for the social and cultural structure of the villages. They are not only places of conviviality, but also essential contact points for tourists and contribute to the attractiveness of rural regions. Without these restaurants, the quality of life in the villages will suffer considerably, and the tourist offers lose their charm.