New Technologies Offer Solutions for Tourism Industry Challenges in Schleswig-Holstein
Kiel, March 2 – The tourism sector in Schleswig-Holstein is grappling with rising costs and a persistent shortage of skilled labor. In response, the Tourism Agency Schleswig-Holstein (TA.SH) is advocating for the adoption of technological innovations and a shift towards year-round operations as crucial strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Digital Solutions to Ease Staffing Pressures
Stefan Borgmann, managing director of TA.SH, highlighted the potential of digital ordering systems, such as tablet-based menus, to significantly alleviate the burden on staff and reduce waiting times for guests. “This is already available in Kiel, but it is not yet the case everywhere in Schleswig-Holstein,” Borgmann stated in an interview with dpa. He emphasized that broader adoption of such technical solutions by restaurateurs could effectively address staffing issues.
Extending the Tourist Season for Greater Stability
Borgmann also stressed the importance of a stronger demand during the off-season to combat labor shortages. “This allows businesses to be utilized year-round,” he explained. By keeping restaurants open in months like February, establishments can employ full-time staff rather than relying solely on seasonal workers. This approach, he noted, would reduce the pressure on businesses to generate all their annual revenue during the summer months and could help to dampen price increases by distributing fixed costs more evenly throughout the year.
Developing Tourism in Previously Underserved Areas
As an example of successful development, Borgmann cited Dagebüll, a harbor town in North Frisia. Historically, Dagebüll served primarily as a transit point for ferries to the islands and Halligen. However, it has transformed into a vibrant holiday resort with apartments, a shopping street, and various eateries. Borgmann observed that some visitors now find the islands too expensive or prefer not to be dependent on ferry schedules. They opt to stay in Dagebüll, allowing them to take day trips to Föhr or Amrum, while also exploring destinations like Flensburg and Denmark.
“If you create appropriate offers, you can also revitalize such places. You just need courageous people who are willing to invest and are allowed to do so,” Borgmann concluded, underscoring the need for proactive investment and supportive policies to foster growth in emerging tourist destinations.
Other Regional News from Schleswig-Holstein
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: MV promotes itself to international tourists.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Schwerin opens the first “Open Library” in the Northeast.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Mobile network: Hardly any “white spots” left in MV.
- Hamburg & Schleswig-Holstein: Weather in Hamburg & Schleswig-Holstein: Sunny days and cool nights expected.
