Greetsiel defends himself against tourist flow: residents feel disturbed!

Greetsiel defends himself against tourist flow: residents feel disturbed!

The picturesque coastal community Krummhörn on the North Sea attracts many vacationers. But the idyll is increasingly disturbed by tourism, especially in the village of Greetsiel, which is considered an insider tip for visitors. A survey shows that many residents feel uncomfortable and are dissatisfied with the increasing number of tourists. This raises questions about the future of traveling in the region.

In spring 2024, a student of the Jade University of Wilhelmshaven carried out an online survey in cooperation with Touristik GmbH Krummhörn. At this initiative, 798 residents from 19 towns were interviewed to gain an insight into the mood regarding tourism. Fortunately, 97 percent of those surveyed live permanently in the community, but the survey results reflect mixed feelings.

survey results for tourists

A total of 91 percent of those surveyed feel comfortable in Greetsiel, but the pressure of tourism becomes clear: 84.7 percent of the Greetsielers see the number of vacationers too high. This burden means that 59 percent of the tourists surveyed find it annoying. While the vast majority estimate a life in this attractive region, the effects of tourism cannot be overlooked.

The type of tourists play a crucial role. Almost 20 percent of the participants perceive day tourists as the biggest problem, followed by motorhome tourists and guests with a dog. In the summer months in particular, residents get a strong feeling of overcrowding - especially at noon and in the afternoon. These months are traditionally high season for tourist areas, which causes additional stress in the region.

positive and negative feedback on tourism

Despite the challenges, there are also some positive aspects. The survey showed that many participants recognize the economic benefits of tourism. Jobs are created and the local economy benefits. However, you have concerns that the hoteliers and restaurateurs benefit disproportionately from this growth, while rental prices in the region are increasing and many locals suffer from it.

In order to alleviate the negative effects, various solutions were proposed, including the introduction of a tourism tax or an increase in secondary residence tax. The expansion of local public transport and discounts for locals could also help improve the situation and avoid forming conflicts. It remains to be seen how those responsible will react to these serious concerns in order to find a balance between tourism and quality of life for the residents.

Overall, the survey shows that the balancing act between the needs of the locals and the urge for tourism is challenging but necessary. While Krummhörn remains a popular holiday region, the voice of the residents becomes increasingly central in discussions about the future of tourism in this beautiful coastal community. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report www.merkur.de .