Krummhörn: Residents find tourists annoying - what now?

Krummhörn: Residents find tourists annoying - what now?

in the charming coastal community Krummhörn, which is characterized by picturesque villages and untouched nature, piles up a growing challenge. The initial joy of the locals over visitors is increasingly overshadowed by resentment over the flood of tourists. Above all, the popular town of Greetsiel, known for its idyllic streets and the largest crab cutter fleet in Germany, is particularly affected here.

A current survey carried out by a student of the Jade University of Wilhelmshaven in spring 2024 hit the nerve of the residents. Together with Touristik GmbH of the municipality, the study gave valuable insights into the views of the residents on the subject of tourism. The results show that the majority of citizens appreciate the tourist attraction, but also feel disturbed. At the survey, 798 citizens from 19 villages were interviewed, and over 97 percent of them live permanently in this region.

popularity and worry at the same time

Although over 90 percent of those surveyed indicate to live in Greetsiel, there is a worrying trend: 84.7 percent of residents in Greetsiel are of the opinion that the number of tourists is "too high". Almost 60 percent of those involved said not to cope well with many of the tourists. These descriptive figures sum up the ambivalent relationship between locals and visitors: the residents appreciate the economic advantages of tourism, but are also on the hat off to the negative effects.

The mood is therefore complex. While 36 percent of the respondents consider tourism to be very important, many report on the inconvenience of day tourists and motorhome tourists. On particularly hot days in summer, in June to August, the strain from the tourist current is perceived most. Especially at noon and in the afternoon, the high number of visitors is noticeable to the residents, which leads to a noticeable discomfort.

positive aspects of tourism

Nevertheless, not everything is negative. The survey did not disregard the positive effects of tourism. The economic gain by visiting tourists is appreciated by the residents as significantly. Many agree that tourism not only creates jobs, but also contributes to the revival of the regional market. The challenges that the abundance of visitors brings with it are nevertheless viewed critically.

In order to alleviate the negative effects of mass tourism, the respondents suggest various measures. A possible introduction of a tourism tax or an increased second residence tax could help to maintain the balance between the needs of the residents and the demands of tourists. In addition, many advocate improvement in public transport to better control access to tourist hotspots and reduce the pressure on the infrastructure.

The Situation in Greetsiel reflects a widespread phenomenon that can be observed in many tourist destinations. On the one hand, the longing for a lively, flourishing economy, and on the other hand the concern for the quality of life of the residents. The dialogue between residents and the tourism industry will be crucial to find a solution to this growing challenge. How things will develop remains to be seen, especially at a time when tourism booms in many places and at the same time raises critical questions about sustainability and quality of life.

For a detailed insight into the survey results and the current discussions in the region, see the article on www.merkur.de .