"The Tegernsee isn't the only option for Bavaria's tourism industry in the future" or "Bavaria's tourism industry looking beyond the Tegernsee for future developments"
In Upper Bavaria, the tourism industry is thriving, generating more revenue than companies like Infineon and BSH household appliances, and contributing approximately 6% to the region's GDP. However, the distribution of visitors is not even, with popular spots such as Munich, Zugspitze, and cultural-historical sites attracting the majority of tourists. This concentration has led to regional disparities, with some areas experiencing over-tourism while others remain under-visited.
To address this imbalance, the tourism industry is promoting lesser-known destinations across Upper Bavaria. Oswald Pehel, TOM's managing director, emphasizes the abundance of hidden gems and undiscovered pearls in the region. These strategies aim to distribute visitor flows more evenly, reduce pressure on main tourist hubs, and foster sustainable economic benefits across the entire region.
One approach is to develop and promote themed routes and experiences that connect less visited towns to popular attractions. This could include regional hiking trails, cultural heritage routes, or culinary tours highlighting local Bavarian traditions beyond the main cities and ski resorts.
Another strategy is to leverage digital marketing and storytelling to raise awareness of these hidden gems. This could be achieved through social media, travel blogs, and collaboration with influencers who focus on authentic, local experiences rather than mainstream tourism.
Improving local infrastructure and accessibility is also crucial. This could involve better public transport links, signage, and visitor information services that make reaching and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations easier and more attractive.
Collaboration with local communities and tourism boards is also key. These partnerships can help craft joint promotions that emphasize the cultural identity and natural charm of lesser-known areas, aligning with Bavaria’s strong regional pride and distinct identity.
Sustainable tourism practices are also being encouraged. This includes eco-tourism and slow travel options in rural Upper Bavaria, appealing to visitors seeking tranquil, less crowded experiences.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. There are issues with the last mile, requiring more and better offers to get from the station to the actual destination. The hotel and catering industry is also under high cost pressure due to factors such as the increase in minimum wages, energy, and commodity prices. The economic situation has also led to many guests having less money, widening the gap between rising costs and decreasing income in the industry.
Despite these challenges, Upper Bavaria remains popular for both domestic and foreign guests. The number of overnight stays has increased by 3.7% since 2019, reaching nearly 55 million. Day visitors account for almost half of the tourism turnover, spending more per capita despite a decrease in their numbers compared to 2019. The gross turnover in the hotel and catering industry has increased by 13.2% and 15.2% respectively, although these figures are not adjusted for inflation.
In summary, the tourism industry in Upper Bavaria is a significant contributor to the region's economy, but it is not without its challenges. By promoting lesser-known destinations, improving access, and encouraging sustainable practices, the industry can distribute visitor flows more evenly, reduce pressure on main tourist hubs, and foster prosperity across the entire region.
- To enhance the economic benefits across Upper Bavaria, the tourism industry is focusing on promoting lesser-known destinations through themed routes, digital marketing, and local partnerships, aiming to distribute visitor flows more evenly and foster sustainable economic growth.
- In an effort to address over-tourism and regional disparities, the home-and-garden lifestyle sector in Upper Bavaria could leverage local charms and traditions to attract tourists, offering unique travel experiences that align with the region's strong cultural identity and natural beauty.
