Tourism figures 2024: stabilisation at a high level for the Münsterland region
The Münsterland continues to be very popular with tourists. This is confirmed by the 2024 tourism figures published by Information und Technik Nordrhein-Westfalen (IT.NRW) this Friday morning. "After the previous record year of 2023, which we achieved a year earlier than many other regions after the coronavirus pandemic, we have stabilised at this high level. In view of the general economic situation, we are satisfied with this result," says Michael Kösters, Head of Tourism at Münsterland e.V.
According to figures from IT.NRW, the number of overnight stays in the Münsterland travel region in 2024 rose slightly by 0.1 per cent to 4,726,989 compared to 2023. At 3.7 per cent, the number of guest arrivals in 2024 increased even more than the number of overnight stays compared to 2023. "We are particularly pleased with the enormous growth of 39.6 per cent in overnight stays among our guests from the Netherlands. After all, this is the most important foreign source market for us," says Kösters.
The tourism expert sees several reasons for the positive figures: Above all, the region is benefiting from the ongoing trend towards tourism to Germany, which continued unabated in 2024 despite the general consumer restraint in other areas of tourism. The Münsterland scores particularly well with its core themes of cycling, horse riding and castles and palaces. "The region as a whole is enormously diverse with its offerings. Münsterland epitomises the picnic lifestyle and is worth a trip at any time, both in the city and in the countryside," says Kösters.
Kösters is convinced that the consistent implementation of the Münsterland regional brand is still needed in order to present this image within the Münsterland and beyond its borders: "We have sharpened the identity of the Münsterland even further, focussed on central themes and made the region much more attractive as a travel destination. We have achieved this with targeted marketing and our strong regional network. We want people to know: THE GOOD LIFE can be found here."
At the same time, it is important to continue supporting the industry. "The challenges in the hospitality industry are still great. The industry is still struggling with the significant rise in operating costs, the generally difficult economic situation, bureaucracy and the increasing shortage of skilled labour and service staff," emphasises Kösters. In order to remain competitive with other regions, investment is needed. "Only by investing in infrastructure, service, digitalisation, sustainability and marketing will the Münsterland become even more attractive and stronger both internally and externally," says Kösters.
In addition to tourism, other sectors also benefit. In addition to sales, tax revenue and employment, tourism in the region has an impact on the quality of life of local residents and the attractiveness of the location, for example in the form of relocation and business development.
For this reason, Münsterland e.V. continuously and successfully applies for EU, federal and state funding on behalf of the region. Building on the project for the palaces and castles region, which has now been completed and funded with eight million euros, the project "Your palace experience - digital, flexible, innovative!", which is 80 per cent funded, is about to be approved in order to continue the very successful work. Münsterland e.V. is also promoting the important tourism topics of digitalisation and sustainability through various measures and projects.
