The tourism industry has been struggling with the pandemic for the past two years. However, the lack of tourists also made it clear in the neighbouring areas how important tourism is for the whole region. It enhances the quality of life for all those who have chosen to live in rural areas.
The number of overnight stays by domestic and foreign guests was still below pre-crisis levels at the beginning of the year. However, according to the Federal Statistical Office, accommodation establishments in Germany recorded two and a half times as many overnight stays in January 2022 as in January 2021 during the accommodation ban. Compared to the pre-crisis month in January 2020, however, the number of overnight stays was still 39.9 per cent lower. Hotels, inns and guesthouses recorded the biggest losses. Private holiday accommodation fared better. Campsites were able to maintain the pre-crisis level of January 2020.
Tourism offers strengthen the quality of life of the inhabitants in rural areas.
The pilot project of the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) "Sustainability and Quality as an Opportunity for Medium-Sized Tourism Providers" dealt with the strengthening of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, especially in rural regions. The municipalities near the Eifel National Park, such as Gemünd, and in the area of the Vulkaneifel National Park, such as Daun, were examined as examples. This revealed the high innovation potential of the tourism service providers. A large number of hotels and inns in the studied region were very committed to developing creative experience offers for their guests.
It became clear that tourism in rural areas considerably strengthens and improves both the economic power and the quality of life. Tourism activities represent an indirect promotion of the important rural area. They do not only promote the tourism economy in isolation, but rather increase the overall quality of life in rural areas.
(Photo: © 6277974, Pixabay)
