"Youth hostels in Bavaria before they finally leave!" This is how a fire letter is overwritten, which the state association in the German Youth Hostel Association sent to politicians. Because of the corona pandemic, all youth hostels are closed - those in Possenhofen are also affected.
Possenhofen – Christian Burggraf and his team were well prepared for the rush of guests from the Easter holidays. "This is where the season really starts with us," says the manager of the Possenhofen youth hostel. But that is all waste after the state government ordered the immediate closure of all youth hostels in Bavaria on March 16 to protect guests and employees from infection with the corona virus. Since then, Burggraf has only worked ten hours a week, as has his assistant. The rest of the twelve employees, who work in the administration, at the reception, in the kitchen or in the building services, "are in short-time work zero", said Burggraf.
Hostel manager Christian Burggraf fears for the future of his house
The hostel manager fears the future of his home if there is no government funding. However, such support has not yet been decided for non-profit organizations. The regional association of Bavarian youth hostels has "intensively tried for several weeks for the unbureaucratic, effective and appropriate financial aid announced by the federal and state governments", but "so far unfortunately without tangible result", says the association's letter. "We have received no support so far," says Burggraf. “It would be important for us to come under a kind of rescue package so that operations can continue. Politicians have to readjust a few things, ”says the 38-year-old.
28,000 overnight stays had already been booked
The youth hostel in Possenhofen, which has 142 beds and can accommodate an additional 50 people on the associated tent site in the warmer months, was almost fully occupied from the Easter holidays until the end of September, according to Burggraf. “We have already booked around 28,000 overnight stays,” he explains. By Thursday, "6500 of them had already broken away, and that won't be the end," Burggraf fears. After all, all school trips in many countries are canceled by the end of the year, and many families would not consider staying in a youth hostel due to the current uncertainty. Even if the situation should relax again, "this can no longer be compensated for," says Burggraf. "Usually, prospective customers have to book with us a year in advance, and now there are no inquiries." In the two hours that the 38-year-old currently spends in the office, he is currently only processing the cancellations.
Closure also affects local economies
In addition to the twelve employees of the youth hostel, other businesses are also affected by the closure. "Our suppliers and partners, who offer team training for school classes and the like, are also part of it," explains Burggraf. And there is currently nothing to do for the contracted cleaning service either. The local economy is affected in the same way. "The economic strength in the region would suffer considerable losses," says the brand letter from the Association of Bavarian Youth Hostels. A study by the tourism consulting agency dwif-Consulting showed that every euro spent by a guest in a youth hostel generates around three euros additional turnover for the local / regional economy. If the non-profit youth hostels do not receive quick help, then there is a risk of losing successful structures, effective educational offers and valuable meeting places.
Brandbrief already achieved its first small success
The brand letter has already achieved its first small success. On Wednesday, the Bavarian Minister of Social Affairs Carolina Trautner (CSU) asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs to examine unbureaucratic aid. It is about maintaining around 900 jobs. Minister of Economics Hubert Aiwanger wants to check support according to the German press agency: "We also have to find a solution for youth hostels and school campsites." Burggraf sees this as a glimmer of hope, but: "There are still no firm commitments."
