Foreign tourism sustenance is crucial for the industry's operations - Foreign tourism aid withheld, hurting industry growth
In the heart of Northern Germany, regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and East Frisia are witnessing a growing reliance on foreign workers to support their thriving tourism industry. This trend is particularly evident in the hospitality sector, where foreign employees make up a significant portion of the workforce.
According to statistics from 2024, the East Frisian islands, including Baltrum, Juist, Norderney, Borkum, and Langeoog, have a particularly high proportion of foreign employees in the hospitality industry. The regional office of the Employment Agency Emden-Leer reported that this proportion has increased steadily from around 23% in 2014 to over 36% in 2024.
Similarly, the tourism industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is particularly personnel-intensive, with over 1,000 trainees from outside the EU now employed in the sector. Foreign workers for Schilling, a farmer and innkeeper in Hiddensee and Rügen, come from countries like Romania, Kyrgyzstan, and Poland.
The demand for foreign workers in these regions is driven by several factors, including a baby boom, decreasing number of school leavers, uncertainty during the corona pandemic, and migration of workers. Lars Schwarz, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, attributes this trend to these factors.
The presence of foreign workers brings numerous benefits to both the DEHOGA and the local economy. Foreign workers bring diverse skills and experiences, enhancing the quality of service in hotels and restaurants. They help maintain a stable workforce during peak seasons, ensuring consistent service levels. The cultural exchange enriches the cultural environment, benefiting both workers and local communities.
The tourism industry supports local job creation and contributes to economic growth through increased spending by tourists. The influx of tourism can lead to improved infrastructure, such as accommodations, transportation, and amenities. Tourism also promotes interaction between locals and visitors, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
While specific data on the economic impact of foreign workers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and East Frisia is not readily available, the trend of employing foreign workers is a common practice in the European tourism sector, contributing to the vibrancy of local economies.
In conclusion, the tourism industry in Northern Germany is heavily reliant on foreign workers, particularly in regions like Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and East Frisia. These workers bring diversity, skills, and cultural exchange, while supporting local job creation and economic growth. As the tourism industry continues to grow, the need for foreign workers is likely to persist, ensuring the continued vibrancy of these regions.
In light of this dependency on foreign labor, regional community policies may need to address vocational training programs to enhance skills within the workforce, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to tourism growth. Additionally, the influx of foreign workers has the potential to influence the lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel sectors in these regions, as diverse新力量Total brings unique customs, cuisines, and design aesthetics that can enrich local offerings.
