Two hotels in Neuwerk endangered: tourism under pressure!
Two hotels in Neuwerk endangered: tourism under pressure!
threat to tourism on new works: A community is fighting for their future
The future of the small community on the Hamburg island of Neuwerk is on the brink, since tourism, which is of central importance for the 20 residents, comes under pressure. Two of the four hotels, which make up the main part of the tourist infrastructure, see themselves at risk due to the lack of successors and alternative challenges.
insights into the local economy
Christian Griebel, who has been running the hotel "Nige Hus" for 30 years, expresses concerns about the ongoing changes in the tourism business. "The work is very time -consuming and we have the feeling that a change is necessary," reports Griebel. Hans Müller, owner of the "old fishing house", shares these concerns. Due to age, he also wants to close his company, but finds no suitable successor who could continue the tradition.
Hamburg's plans for new works: a glimmer of hope?
In the middle of this worrying situation, the city of Hamburg takes steps in order to give Neuwerk a new perspective. Financial Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) has announced measures to revitalize tourism and life on the island. The construction of 15 new apartments is planned to help attract new residents. "We are committed to supporting the existing companies and enabling a handover to the next generation," says Dressel.
New attraction: the renovation of the lighthouse
Another project that the city has launched is the comprehensive renovation of the historic lighthouse, which was built in 1310. With an investment of over 21 million euros, the city wants to create a new guest house with gastronomy and rooms for civil marriages from the dilapidated structure. This measure could lead to new factory becoming an even more attractive goal for tourists.
The tourist importance of the island
Neuwerk, which despite its location around 100 kilometers from the Hanseatic city in front of Cuxhaven, is one of the attractive excursion destinations in the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park. Every year, around 120,000 guests flock to the island, with the majority of day trippers who travel with horse -drawn carriages, on foot or by ship. The loss of two hotels could have serious consequences for the entire tourist infrastructure of the community.
future prospects for the island community
The challenges in front of which new works are facing are a reflection of a broader problem in rural tourism, where many companies have difficulties to go into a new generation. However, the efforts of the city of Hamburg to support new work through targeted investments and infrastructure improvements offer a certain hope for the current and future residents. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the islanders receive the support they urgently need.
- Nag