- The Authority has likewise put forth a suggestion for a mandate focusing on safeguarding employees from the hazards stemming from exposure to ionizing radiation.
The tourism sector in Saxony-Anhalt has been steadily bouncing back from its past setbacks over the past few months. With 3.9 million overnight stays in the first half of the year, the figures are merely a single percentage point shy of the 2019 record, as revealed by the East German Savings Bank Association while presenting this year's Sparkassen Tourism Barometer. Besides locals from other German states, there's also been an influx of foreign tourists to Saxony-Anhalt.
Various regions have experienced a surge in overnight stays during the first half of the year, as indicated by the Tourism Barometer. Regions like Altmark and Elbe-Börde-Heide have particularly seen an increase.
It's evident that Saxony-Anhalt is a destination that's popular year-round. There have also been favorable figures recorded in the spring and autumn seasons. However, the barometer suggests that a more comprehensive picture needs to be painted to lure more people to the region, according to the association.
Negative mood despite recovery
Cultural and leisure facilities reported an uptick in visitors compared to the first half of 2023. For instance, castles and palaces saw a four percent rise in visitors compared to the previous year. However, the number of visitors to zoos and animal parks dropped by four percent. The frequency of day trips also depends on the weather conditions.
Saxony-Anhalt has been steadily recovering from the setbacks of previous years in recent months. With 3.9 million overnight stays in the first half of this year, the numbers are only one percentage point below the record of 2019, according to the East German Savings Bank Association when presenting this year's Sparkassen Tourism Barometer. In addition to people from the other federal states of the republic, more people from abroad have also come to Saxony-Anhalt.
Despite the rising numbers and the ongoing recovery, the sentiment among businesses is as grim as it's been for a long time, stated Economic Minister Sven Schulze. They're battling against a tide of bad news and anxiety among the German population. "And when I think of tourism, of course, they're the first to feel the impact," said Schulze, the SPD politician. The challenges are "monstrous but not insurmountable," he added. Clear prospects are crucial for the businesses, Schulze stated.
Modernization is key to growth
For the tourism industry in Saxony-Anhalt to expand, it needs to revamp its approach, as per the association. "We need to approach tourism differently. Sustainable transformation isn't a trend, but the future that it's worth investing in," stated Ludger Weskamp, the Managing Director of the East German Savings Bank Association. According to him, sustainability is a criterion used by Germans to gauge the quality of accommodation. The hotel industry, for example, needs to develop a more modern, customer-driven offering.
The Tourism Barometer also highlights the improvement in other regions, with Altmark and Elbe-Börde-Heide seeing a significant increase in overnight stays. Despite the boost in tourism, businesses in Saxony-Anhalt are still facing a grim sentiment, as stated by Economic Minister Sven Schulze.
