Visitation to popular vacation destinations. - The travel sector anticipates a "prosperous summer of sightseeing."
North Rhine-Westphalia's tourism industry is hopeful for a boom in the summer season, even with the presence of the Football European Championship. A survey conducted in April among experts in the tourism field in the region revealed that 54% expects an increase in demand compared to the previous year, as per the North Rhine-Westphalia Tourism Association (Tourismus NRW) on a recent Friday. The association also reported that 5% anticipate a decline.
Heike Döll-König, the managing director of the association, explained that "the mood is optimistic, the developments are positive: With the summer business, the tourism industry in the state could pick up from the increased demand of the past years and register a new peak in overnight stays."
Host cities "see rise in bookings"
The four host cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Gelsenkirchen are reportedly well-booked during the group stage of the European Championship. The surrounding areas are also experiencing a rise in demand. A survey from the industry association Dehoga NRW reveals that around 80% of hoteliers in the host cities believe they will benefit from the European Championship. An additional 13% are uncertain. Besides accommodation providers, Tourismus NRW believes that the catering industry will also see a boost in business statewide.
Döll-König said, "We don't want the European Championship to be a wildfire. However, the long-term effects are more important, as positive images of an open and hospitable North Rhine-Westphalia can be achieved."
IHK NRW: "Tourism industry still faces challenges"
"The tourism industry in NRW is still facing challenges due to financial constraints, labor market problems, the need to reduce bureaucracy, and the reluctance to invest," remarked Ralf Stoffels, president of the North Rhine-Westphalia Industry and Commerce Chamber Association (IHK NRW). Although the results from the recent economic survey of the Chambers showed a minor upturn, "however, the tourism industry is still unable to reach pre-corona numbers." The consumer mood of the citizens is said to be very reserved, especially in the catering industry.
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The European Football Championship is not deterring North Rhine-Westphalia's tourism industry, as 54% of experts anticipate an increase in demand during the summer months. Düsseldorf, one of the host cities, is seeing a surge in bookings during the group stage of the tournament. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as financial constraints and labor market problems, the catering industry is expected to benefit from the influx of tourists for the European Championship. In fact, Heike Döll-König, the managing director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Tourism Association, hopes that the championship won't be a "wildfire", but rather a chance to promote North Rhine-Westphalia as an open and hospitable destination.
