Tourism in Schleswig-Holstein: Weather and prices cause unrest!

Tourism in Schleswig-Holstein: Weather and prices cause unrest!

The tourism season 2024 in Schleswig-Holstein is often described as "mixed"! The holiday plans of many tourists have influenced densely populated coasts and changeable weather. Bettina Bunge, 56 years old and managing director of the Schleswig-Holstein tourism agency, takes a mixed balance and reports of 27.6 million overnight stays in the first eight months-almost as much as in the previous year. But the high summer months of June and July recorded a decline in day guests, which is partly due to the price increases and the changeable weather.

"June 2024 was relatively wet and cold," Bunge admits. "This makes other travel destinations more attractive for many." Despite these setbacks, Bunge emphasizes the need to actively receive the guests and continue to promote their satisfaction. She admits that the price development also depends on the services offered. What many guests perceive as overpriced is often due to increasing costs in the industry - even a nasty pork chess for 28 euros can become a stimulus topic.

digital marketing in focus

While the classic tourism fairs lose importance, Schleswig-Holstein increasingly relies on digital media and personal recommendations. "Our measures for the coming year will focus on presenting Schleswig-Holstein as a year-round goal," says Bunge. In the most important foreign markets such as Denmark, Switzerland and Austria, strategies are already being tested to increase the awareness of the region. Social media campaigns are just as important as regional events.

BUNG also recognizes that an increase in the number of guests is not equally well received everywhere. In popular Baltic Sea resorts, overcrowding and noise cause resentment among the locals. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic: "Tourism creates jobs and prosperity". This changes the perception if you consider the income effect and the leisure value for the region. Whether overtourism is actually a major problem or is exaggerated remains discussable, but Schleswig-Holstein remains a goal with a lot of potential!