Tourism in Saxony recorded a good year in 2024 and has recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. The State Tourism Association (LTV) recorded 6.9 million guests and 17 million overnight stays between January and October, which corresponds to an increase of around 2.5 and 0.5 percent respectively compared to the same period last year.
Industry nears record year 2019
Saxony is therefore almost on a par with the record year 2019, even if the figures are still just below it, the Ministry of Tourism concluded. "Tourism is an important economic factor for the Free State and at the same time increases the quality of life of the local population," explained the responsible minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU). The Christmas period is the most important month of the year for Saxony's hospitality industry.
Saxony wants to be a travel destination for the whole year
"Reserves can be built up in December, which are necessary to compensate for the weaker months from January to March," Klepsch clarified. She believes that further government support for the industry is necessary. Despite all the difficulties, the budgetary policy of the coming years must also enable the further development of tourism. This includes the expansion of year-round and hiking tourism.
Succession arrangements need to be made in many companies
LTV President Stephan Meyer also addressed the problems facing the industry when presenting the figures. It continues to face numerous challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and rising costs. In the next ten years, a quarter of companies will have to make succession arrangements, while 11% are planning to close down. The staff shortage is already a problem today and is leading to closures.
Association calls for special program for the hospitality industry
The state tourism association is therefore proposing a special program for the hospitality industry, especially in rural areas. It is intended to secure investment grants and favorable loans in order to increase the attractiveness of the establishments. It is also intended to support business takeovers. The association is also calling for a reduction in bureaucracy in order to relieve companies of excessive documentation requirements, for example.
Saxony is dependent on guests from abroad
According to Meyer, Saxony is dependent on guests from abroad. Tourists from the USA and China in particular spend a lot of money on vacations in the Free State. LTV Director Andrea Kis referred to a projection according to which the Saxon tourism industry expects gross sales of around 9.5 billion euros this year, which is 200 million euros more than in 2023.
Camping and caravanning to play a greater role
The LTV sees great potential in camping and caravanning tourism. It is not only sustainable, but also crisis-resistant, it said. To improve the use of tourist routes, the association is considering introducing a so-called framework liability insurance policy based on the Austrian model. This would protect owners of such trails from liability claims, for example in the event of accidents.
LTV Director Kis also addressed the external impact of tourism. It is more than just an economic factor. "It is a central component of our social cohesion and our international visibility. Politicians must recognize this and act decisively. This is the only way we can secure Saxony's competitiveness in the long term."
Chemnitz expects up to two million guests as European Capital of Culture
In the new year, the industry is looking towards Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture 2025, with up to two million guests expected. As the host of the International German Gymnastics Festival, Leipzig is hoping to break the four million overnight stays per year mark for the first time. Cyclists will also get their money's worth - a cross-country route will connect the forests of Upper Lusatia with the rocky landscape of Saxon Switzerland.
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