Enjoying free time - Southwest tourism sets new marks during winter season 2023/24.
Baden-Württemberg's winter tourism season in 2023/24 managed to overcome the challenges posed by snow disruptions and an uncertain global situation, according to figures released by the Statistical Office in Stuttgart. Between November and April, the state saw a total of 9.4 million arrivals and 23.2 million overnight stays, marking an 8.2% rise in visitors and a 6.4% rise in stays compared to previous years. The previous record highs were during the winter season 2018/19, which saw an extra 200,000 guests and 900,000 more overnight stays than before the pandemic.
The Southwest region saw a surge in popularity, with domestic and foreign tourists alike flocking to the area. Domestic tourists accounted for an additional 1.1 million overnight stays compared to the season 2022/23, while foreign tourists added a further 300,000 to the total. Swiss tourists were among the most frequent visitors, with a quarter of all foreign overnight stays attributed to them, followed by French and Dutch travelers.
Patrick Rapp, Tourism State Secretary for the CDU, noted that increasingly mild winters with little or no snow are likely to be the norm in the future. However, the high number of arrivals and overnight stays prove that these conditions don't discourage people from enjoying a winter holiday in Baden-Württemberg. Tourist destinations in the area seem to be adapting to the changing weather patterns by expanding their offerings with weather-independent activities. "Local tourist actors are well-prepared to offer a diverse range of winter activities that meet the needs of our guests," Rapp said.
[Header: Baden-Württemberg's tourism industry enjoys record-breaking winter season]
[List: - 9.4 million arrivals - 23.2 million overnight stays - 8.2% increase in arrivals - 6.4% increase in overnight stays - Previous record highs in winter season 2018/19 - An additional 200,000 guests - Additional 900,000 overnight stays]
[Link: Statistical Office in Stuttgart]
[Quote: "Local tourist actors are well-prepared to offer a diverse range of winter activities that meet the needs of our guests." - Tourism State Secretary Patrick Rapp (CDU)]
[Highlight: Swiss tourists were the most frequent visitors.]
Read also:
- Despite the lack of snow in some areas, Leisure time Seekers flocked to Baden-Württemberg during the winter season 2023/24, contributing to the maximum value of arrivals and overnight stays.
- The Statistics revealed that Lake Constance and the Black Forest were popular tourist destinations, attracting a significant number of domestic and foreign tourists, including many from the Electoral Palatinate and neighboring countries like Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.
- The corona virus situation had a minimal impact on the tourism industry, with visitors showing a strong demand for winter holidays in Baden-Württemberg, which helped the state to set new records.
- Maximum value was reached in Stuttgart's Statistical Office's report on the tourism sector, highlighting the success of the Winter season 2023/24 and the resilience of the tourism industry in the face of challenges.
- The late effect of the mild winters on the tourism industry was not as negative as initially predicted, with tourists adapting their travel plans and participating in a diverse range of weather-independent activities, such as urban exploration, indoor sports, and cultural events.
- The success of winter tourism in Baden-Württemberg has boosted the economy and generated jobs in the tourism sector, making it an important factor for the regional development and the overall well-being of the population.
- Tourism State Secretary Patrick Rapp, from the CDU, emphasized the role of the tourism industry in promoting the region's image across the world and encouraged local actors to continue investing in infrastructure and services to ensure the long-term success of Baden-Württemberg's tourism industry.
