Camping Boom Drives Tourism Growth in Saxony-Anhalt
The tourism industry in Saxony-Anhalt has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with camping emerging as a particularly buoyant sector. According to the Tourism Association, overnight stays at campsites in the state have surged by over 46% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
This surge in camping popularity has outpaced the national average of 18% growth, highlighting Saxony-Anhalt’s exceptional performance in this segment. The state has also experienced an overall increase in tourism revenue, reaching levels comparable to those before the COVID-19 pandemic despite a decline in visitor numbers.
Revenue Back on Track, Despite Fewer Guests
Total tourism revenue in Saxony-Anhalt reached €3.3 billion in 2023, surpassing the 2019 figure by 3.4%. This growth has been driven by increased daily spending by visitors, offsetting the reduction in overall arrivals. The hospitality industry has benefited the most from this trend, followed by the retail and service sectors.
Day Trips Dominate, Summer Peak Season
Day trips accounted for a significant 74% of overnight stays, generating revenue of €1.8 billion. Overnight tourism contributed the remaining €1.5 billion to the total revenue. Notably, over 63% of overnight stays occurred during the summer months of 2023, indicating a strong seasonal pattern.
Harz Region Retains Popularity
The Harz and Harzvorland regions remain the top destinations in Saxony-Anhalt, attracting approximately one-third of all overnight guests. However, the region also experienced a slight decline in overnight stays by 10%. Other areas that saw an increase in overnight stays include Magdeburg, Elbe-Börde-Heide (+7%), and Altmark (+4%).
Decline in Group Accommodation
In contrast to the overall growth in tourism, the group accommodation segment, including youth hostels, has faced challenges. Overnight stays in this sector have decreased by 17.5% since 2019, partly due to a reduction in available beds.
International Visitors a Minority
Unlike the national trend where international tourists account for over 16%, only about 7% of visitors to Saxony-Anhalt come from abroad. Among these, Poland is the most significant source of tourists, followed by the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria.
Outlook and Challenges
The Tourism Association expects the positive trends in Saxony-Anhalt’s tourism industry to continue in the coming years. However, the industry also faces challenges, such as the ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the need to further diversify the offerings to cater to a wider range of travelers.
Conclusion
Camping has played a pivotal role in driving tourism growth in Saxony-Anhalt, demonstrating the growing popularity of outdoor recreation and the appeal of the state’s natural landscapes. While overall visitor numbers may have declined slightly, increased spending by tourists has boosted revenue, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the tourism sector in Saxony-Anhalt.
