Travel Restrictions Imposed
In the past two years, the tourism industry in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data, the total number of guest arrivals from abroad in September 2021 was 26.0% lower than in September 2019[1].
During pre-pandemic times in 2019, international travel to NRW was at typical levels with stable or growing guest arrivals and overnight stays[1]. However, the pandemic brought about a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, with strict travel restrictions and lockdowns causing fewer international tourists to visit[1].
The downturn affected various accommodation types, including hotels, which saw cancellations and reduced occupancy, and other commercial lodging types[1]. In September 2021, approximately 4.0 million overnight stays were recorded by accommodation providers in NRW[1]. However, this figure represents a 19.0% decrease compared to two years ago (September 2019: 4.9 million)[1].
Certain accommodation types experienced a slight increase in visitors. For instance, cabins and youth hostels saw a significant rise in September 2021, with 73,778 arrivals, marking a 111.4% increase[2]. On the other hand, camping sites stagnated with 96,335 arrivals, a decrease of 0.5%[2].
The newsletter offers updates on the social developments, culinary arts, art, and culture in the city of Neuss, including a free newsletter for those interested[3]. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry, the city of Neuss continues to thrive, offering a rich array of experiences for both locals and visitors[4].
For those interested in subscribing to the newsletter, it is free and users are advised to check their inbox or spam folder to confirm their subscription[3]. The privacy policy of the newsletter can be found for more information[3].
As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the tourism industry in NRW, like many others, is working towards recovery. The data suggests a gradual increase in domestic and local travel, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of international tourism in the region.
[1] Source: [Link to the original data] [2] Source: [Link to the original data] [3] Source: [Link to the newsletter subscription page] [4] Source: [Link to information about the city of Neuss]
The decrease in international travel due to the pandemic led to a significant drop in overnight stays at accommodation providers in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in 2020 and 2021, compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. However, the newsletter updates on the city of Neuss reveal a thriving local scene, offering a rich lifestyle experience for both locals and visitors, despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry.