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Witzenhausen benefits: Christmas market tariff reduces fees by 35%!
Christmas markets in the Werra-Meißner district benefit from new GEMA tariffs; lower fees allow for better attractions and programs.
Witzenhausen benefits: Christmas market tariff reduces fees by 35%!
Preparations for the next Christmas market season are in full swing, and the city of Witzenhausen in particular can look forward to some good news. Gema’s new “Christmas market tariff” ensures significant cost reductions that benefit Christmas market operators. HNA reports that the fees for music usage will be reduced from 650 euros last year to just 350 to 400 euros. Project manager Irina Ruppel is pleased about this measure, which enables additional funding for child-friendly attractions such as scavenger hunts and walk acts.
However, things look different at the Eschweg Christmas market. Alexander Holiday, the organizer there, is not too happy with the new regulations. While the fees are falling in Witzenhausen, the concept remains in Eschwege that the music fees are calculated based on the area of the market. This means that the stage program in Eschwege remains the only musical aspect. Interestingly, the Christmas market in Witzenhausen falls from November 27th to 30th and the one in Eschwege from December 12th to 14th.
Positive developments for Christmas markets
The new tariff not only benefits Christmas market operators; BR points out that it also takes into account the “special character” of modern Christmas markets. Over 7,000 Christmas markets in Germany registered music usage with Gema last year. With the new tariff, which reduces fees by 35 percent, all operators benefit, regardless of the size of their market. The relief from music fees is welcome news, especially for the many who fill these markets with life and joy.
The issue of music licensing is not only a question of costs, but also of copyright. Gema, which represents over 100,000 members and more than two million rights holders worldwide, ensures that composers and lyricists are appropriately compensated for their work. Until now, in many cases the Gema fees were only 2.5 cents per visit, which was quite acceptable for the organizers. This is supported by a study by the German Showmen's Association, which shows that Christmas markets generated an average of around 18 euros in sales per visitor. Gema summarizes the relevant aspects well and emphasizes that this new tariff regulation is intended to particularly relieve the burden on non-commercial operators.
A look into the future
Bundestag member Awet Tesfaiesus from the Greens commented positively on the innovations and supported the relief for Christmas market operators. The change in music usage fees could help the event culture to develop further in order to give social meeting places such as Christmas markets a new, attractive look. Whether this will succeed in Witzenhausen remains to be seen, but the signs are good.
It remains exciting to see how the musical offerings at the Christmas markets will develop. While Witzenhausen is at the forefront of savings, other places may have to rethink their concepts. With the increased flexibility provided by the new tariff, it is hoped that visitors will be able to experience even more magical moments while strolling through the festively decorated markets.