"Cultivate and boost tourism growth" or "Promote and foster tourism advancement" or "Encourage and stimulate tourism development"
In a recent gathering at the family-run Moerenhof in Xanten, representatives from the hotel and catering industry discussed the central challenges facing their sector in the region. The meeting, organised by Sonja Meurs-Schuster, board member of the DEHOGA Wesel district association, was attended by Dr. Peter Paic (SPD Landrat candidate), Olaf Finke (Xanten's mayoral candidate), and Ben Fischer (SPD council candidate), among others.
Dr. Paic highlighted the significant economic impact of the hotel and catering industry on the Lower Rhine, shaping the feel and attractiveness of the region. He emphasised the need for an administration that proactively supports businesses, advocating for a fast, reliable, and digital administration.
One of the key challenges discussed was the structural deficit in tourism promotion in Xanten and the region. Innovative projects like the Heuhotel on the Moerenhof face challenges due to lengthy permit processes and unclear funding criteria.
The conversation also focused on the need for equal conditions for all accommodation forms, from hotels to vacation rentals to youth hostels. Dr. Paic pledged to advocate for these concerns at the municipal, state, and federal levels.
Another significant issue raised was the skilled labor shortage. While common approaches in similar German regions include targeted vocational training programs, promoting apprenticeships, and attracting skilled workers via job fairs or regional incentives, no concrete programs or local interventions tailored to Xanten and Wesel were documented in the provided search results.
Excessive bureaucracy and unfair competitive conditions were also discussed. Addressing these issues could involve streamlining administrative processes digitally, providing support services for compliance, and enforcing transparent regulations, as seen in other regions.
All participants agreed that tourism in the Wesel district requires political support, fair competitive conditions, and an administration that acts as a partner. Dr. Paic's initiative for a permanent reduction in VAT on food, which has been included in the current coalition agreements at the federal level, was particularly welcomed. This measure, which he initiated at the district level, has now been included in the federal-level agreements.
The potential of Xanten and the Wesel district as an attractive tourist destination must be consistently exploited and made visible. With its rich Roman history, archaeological park, Siegfried Museum, Nibelung legend, and leisure facilities with North and South Sea, Xanten has immense tourist potential.
In conclusion, the meeting served as a platform for industry representatives to voice their concerns and propose solutions for the challenges faced by the hotel and catering industry in Xanten and the Wesel district. Further inquiry with local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, or hospitality associations in that region would be required to get precise and up-to-date information.
- To better showcase Xanten's tourist potential and address the challenges in the region's hotel and catering sector, it's essential to implement proactive administrative support, simplify bureaucracy, and provide equal opportunities for all accommodation forms.
- Dr. Paic's proposal of a permanent reduction in VAT on food, which can foster the lifestyle and travel industry, should be accompanied by digital streamlining of administrative processes, clear funding criteria for innovative projects, and a focus on equal conditions for various accommodation types.
