An industry with a worrying trend

The North Sea region is enjoying increasing popularity. The number of tourists on the coast is increasing. But an analysis shows that not everyone benefits.

East Frisia – Full coasts, full coffers: The North Sea region is particularly popular with visitors. No wonder, as Lower Saxony is home to Germany’s best beaches. Tourism is also doing well – you would think. However, figures from a recent analysis show something different: One industry recorded a contradiction.

Tourism on the North Sea: guest numbers rising, restaurants on the coast worried

Actually, it’s good news. The number of visitors to the North Sea is increasing. The reason for this is the good weather during the holiday season. Although not all regions on the coast are doing so well – Wangerland and Wangerooge are seeing a drop in tourists – the holiday resorts are overall satisfied. Only in the catering industry does a worrying trend seem to be developing.

Some guests on the North Sea consume less on vacation. This is reported by the North Sea Tourism Agency GmbH (TANO). So they are “not saving on vacation, but on vacation.” And this despite the fact that this year the restaurateurs supported numerous events on the coast, such as festivals, harbor festivals and more.

Accommodations on the North Sea well occupied – visitors on holiday at short notice

But TANO also reports a strong influx of visitors to the North Sea this year – especially from the neighboring state of North Rhine-Westphalia. A survey of tourist resorts and businesses showed that around a third reported an occupancy rate of more than 90 percent. Around two thirds reported an occupancy rate of between 70 and 90 percent, which is broadly the same as the previous year.

“The good weather played into the hands of hosts in the region, especially in the second half of the holidays,” confirms Mario Schiefelbein, Managing Director of TANO. “Because many guests today decide to take a short break on the coast at very short notice,” he explains the trend. Long-term planned holidays are declining overall on the North Sea coast.

Many holidaymakers may experience a surprise on the coast. Something sensational was recently discovered in the mudflats: a large stone that could also be amber. An expert has classified the sensational find.