Fewer overnight guests in Hesse: The new tourism crisis!

Fewer overnight guests in Hesse: The new tourism crisis!

In Hesse, the number of overnight guests has continued to fall. According to current data, more than 2 million overnight stays were missing in 2024 compared to the previous year, a decrease of 10%. The reasons for this decline are seen in the mild winter months and the uncertainty among the population due to the economic situation. These changes have a severe impact on the state's tourism industry, which was already hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics show that business travelers in particular are missing out, which is contributing to the declining numbers. The regional diversity of providers also suffers, as many smaller hotels have difficulty remaining competitive. Hesse show reports that some accommodation providers have already had to close or have run into financial difficulties.

In order to act sustainably in this situation, many operators are considering diversifying their offers and offering themed trips. The experts see potential in health-oriented offers and nature experiences to reach new target groups and increase Hesse's attractiveness as a travel destination.

Challenges in the digital area

Parallel to the challenges in tourism, it is clear that companies must increasingly implement digital solutions in order to survive in competition. The use of tracking pixels is a topic that is becoming increasingly important, especially with regard to data protection. Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information describes tracking pixels as 1×1 pixel graphic elements that are used to record user data for statistical evaluations. These pixels make it possible to log user behavior on websites, but they also present legal challenges.

The legal classification is particularly complex because tracking pixels are not considered technically necessary for the operation of a digital service. According to Section 25 Paragraph 1 TDDDG, the express consent of the user is necessary if personal data is collected. The data protection supervisory authorities emphasize that the transmission of the IP address does not automatically constitute access as long as it remains necessary for the digital service.

The discussion about the use of tracking pixels highlights the need to find a balance between efficiency and data protection when digitizing offers. While the travel industry in Hesse strives to develop innovative solutions, the legal requirements must be strictly adhered to in order not to endanger the trust of customers.