Vacation on Edersee: Tourism has started again after the several-week standstill due to Corona. The region sees itself prepared for the expected vacation wave.
- Holidays in Corona * times on Lake Edersee ( Kassel region )
- Tourism at the Edersee has started again
- Region armed for anticipated vacation waves
Edersee - During the corona lockdown , there was an almost pleading appeal to refrain from visits to the Edersee (Kassel region) *. After the relaxation of the contact restrictions, the reservoir experienced a rush of tourists. Interviewed by Claus Günther, Managing Director of Edersee Touristic.
Mr. Günther, did Edersee tourism start again from zero to one hundred?
When we look at the last holiday weekend over Pentecost, it actually seems to be so.
Possible despite Corona: Vacation at Edersee (Kassel region) - After relaxation, tourists overran the reservoir
Was the Edersee mainly overrun by day tourists?
Day tourism has always been a strong area and has developed enormously again. Rolled over is a good keyword, it was really crazy what happened on Pentecost weekend. There were traffic jams, bus lines were cut due to traffic, the barrier was visited by thousands of people. And then to keep the overview, to keep the minimum distance and the corona measures, to ensure these through controls, that was really a challenge for the regulatory authorities - but certainly also for the visitors.
What about the overnight area?
Since the numbers have slowly increased again. With the lockdown, we had a huge wave of cancellations. When it became known that companies were allowed to accept guests again, it developed relatively quickly again at Edersee. In comparison, we are still behind last year's bookings, but overall a good deal has been made up.
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Good morning from Edersee! The early morning view of the Waldeck Castle, the Edersee and the Waldeck Mountains is one of the greatest attractions that nature offers us. Have a nice Sunday. Photo: Ederseelichtblicke Andreas Germeroth #edersee #ederseelichtblicke #eder #castle #waldeck #nordhessen #germany #urlaub #vakantie #naturephotography #natur #sundaymorningview
A post shared by Edersee Lichtblicke (@edersee_lichtblicke) on Jun 6, 2020 at 10:09 p.m. PDT
Possible despite Corona: Vacation on Edersee (Kassel region) - tourists feel safer in vacation apartments
Is there a difference between apartments and hotel rooms
?
It seems that people in holiday apartments feel a little safer. We have a high demand there. But there are also hotels that were booked very well. Overall, all overnight accommodations had to record immense drops. If you want to look into the future, it is also very unlikely that you will completely catch up on this in the course of the season.
In the past, short-term holidaymakers in particular booked, and many at short notice - when the weather was nice. Has this trend changed to Corona?
It has definitely increased. Of course, this also has to do with the fact that it had to be waited when certain things were possible again. Many book at very short notice, sometimes only for the next weekend.
Possible despite Corona: Holidays on Edersee (Kassel region) - bookings for summer are picking up
According to the forecasts, the majority of Germans want to spend their annual vacation in their own country this time. Can you already feel this in the region?
Bookings for the summer holidays are slowly picking up, but there is still a certain reluctance to be felt. There is still great potential for overnight guests. However, we hope that the predicted trend is correct and that we as a region will benefit from it.
Is it prepared for a rush of overnight and day guests for several weeks?
Definitely! The number of overnight stays declined somewhat last year. That certainly had something to do with the years of low water conditions. But maybe we are lucky that this year we will be able to compensate for this somewhat with the hopefully emerging trend towards vacation in our own country.
Possible despite Corona: Vacation on Edersee (Kassel region) - demand is very high
What is the current demand?
Very high, especially with regard to short-term trips. There is still capacity here, so that we can serve all guests accordingly.
Which vacation activities are in particular demand at the moment?
The subject of cycling, which was already a strong segment, has intensified. The Edersee with its good cycle path network plays a major role. Hiking is still a trend. It may have to do with the fact that both are outdoor activities. You feel safer there. Even if you are traveling in a smaller group, the distance rules are relatively easy to follow.
Tourism at the Edersee has picked up speed again despite Corona: Claus Günther, Managing Director of Edersee Touristic, advises those who want to spend their summer vacation at the Edersee in good time.
© Conny Höhne
What challenges do restaurateurs and accommodation providers have to face?
There are guidelines to be followed. The focus is on health. The challenge for every single company is to implement the rules, precisely because everyone also has their own individual infrastructure. Experience is continuously being gathered and measures are being adapted to make it work.
Possible despite Corona: Vacation on Edersee (Kassel region) - restrictions for tourists are minimal
Where are there still restrictions on excursion destinations and leisure activities?
Around 90 percent of all businesses are open. The public swimming pools are currently closed, but this may change soon. You can still go swimming at the Edersee, however the bathing areas have not yet been monitored by the DLRG.
What hot tip do you give to guests who want to spend their vacation on Lake Edersee?
Book now early, then you can still choose accommodation in all accommodation categories. It will certainly be a little more difficult in the next few weeks.
About: Claus Günther (51)
Claus Günther (51) has been the managing director of Edersee Touristic for nine years. The aim of the company is to promote tourism on the Edersee. The father of the family from Frankenberger Land previously worked in Korbach town hall for ten years and was committed to the Diemelsee nature park and as an economic promoter. He has been head of Edersee Touristic since September 1, 2011.
By Cornelias Höhne
At the end of April, Edersee Touristic said that it would be difficult to make a forecast for summer vacations at Edersee - but nothing stands in the way of vacations at Edersee (Kassel region) with the latest corona relaxation.
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Rubric list image: © Conny Höhne