Lübeck's CDU fights against bed tax: Is tourism in danger?

Lübeck's CDU fights against bed tax: Is tourism in danger?

The discussion about the introduction of an overnight stay tax, better known as a bed tax, is becoming increasingly louder in Lübeck. The city administration is considering this step to reduce the massive budget deficit of over 160 million euros. But resistance is already emerging: the Lübeck CDU, led by its district chairman Hermann Junghans, firmly rejects the plans. According to Junghans, the bed tax could only bring in three to four million euros, which would not be enough to noticeably reduce the deficit. The financial pressure on the municipalities, not just in Lübeck, is enormous; Cities nationwide are facing a record deficit of an estimated 13.2 billion euros Destination thinking reported.

But what exactly are the CDU's concerns? Junghans says that the introduction of an overnight stay tax could jeopardize the continued existence of the spa tax, which is essential to finance the spa facilities. If Lübeck were to charge both an overnight stay tax and a spa tax, this would not be permissible according to the highest court rulings. This could jeopardize the financial stability of spa facilities, which are of great importance to the local economy. The CDU therefore advocates making the municipal tax law more flexible in order to enable targeted revenue for the Lübeck world cultural heritage site without affecting the range and quality of the spa facilities.

The city administration's plans envisage generating around four million euros annually for the city treasury through the bed tax. This could lead to consideration of securing the financing of tourist facilities through a guest contribution, which would be earmarked. In contrast to the bed tax, which is not tied to specific considerations, the guest contribution is intended to create clear advantages for visitors and thus increase acceptance in the accommodation industry. This highlights the importance of transparency and citizen participation in deciding the type of tax. After all, tourism not only brings with it quality of life, but also added value and employment, but also poses challenges for local finances.

Mayor Jan Lindenau from the SPD supports the city administration's considerations and points to a list of 53 austerity measures that should also help reduce the deficit. But the CDU remains cautious and warns of the possible negative consequences of the new tax. The discussion about the bed tax is therefore not only a financial policy question, but also a social question that could have a decisive influence on the future of tourism in Lübeck.

It remains to be seen whether the bed tax will be introduced or whether the city administration will ultimately rely on a guest contribution. One thing is certain: the coming decisions will have a lasting impact on both Lübeck's financial situation and its attractiveness as a tourist destination.