Turnover in the billions: current study confirms the economic strength of tourism in the Münsterland region
2.08 billion euros is the gross tourism turnover in Münsterland for the year 2024, according to a recent study by dwif-Consulting GmbH, which Münsterland e.V. has now commissioned again after 2019 and 2020.
"The study impressively shows that tourism in the Münsterland is a steadily growing economic sector in the region. And it is extremely important for regional development, especially as it is location-specific," says Michael Kösters, Head of Tourism at Münsterland e.V.
Why this study? According to official statistics, the number of overnight stays in the Münsterland has been rising for years. In the five years since 2019 alone, they have risen by 16.9 per cent - despite the coronavirus pandemic. "However, this positive trend says nothing about the development of guest numbers in private accommodation with fewer than ten beds, permanent campers and, above all, day visitors," says Kösters. "These guests are not included in the official statistics, but they generate considerable turnover by shopping or eating out, for example. We wanted to close this data gap and find out exactly how strong an economic factor tourism really is." In total, the study estimates 7.8 million overnight stays and 41 million day trips to the Münsterland.
Tourism fulfils the function of an important cross-sector industry in the Münsterland. It strengthens the attractiveness of the location, promotes infrastructure measures and has a stabilising effect on the regional economy. Numerous sectors benefit from tourism activities: Accommodation, catering, experience providers, retail, public transport, regional producers and a wide range of service and craft businesses. According to the study, the biggest beneficiary of tourism is the hospitality industry with gross sales of 1.012 billion euros (48.7 per cent), ahead of retail with 0.711 billion (34.2 per cent) and other services with 0.357 billion (17.1 per cent). Overall, gross sales increased by seven per cent compared to 2019.
"What is particularly impressive is that the value added by tourism corresponds to around 30,000 full-time jobs. This shows the contribution that tourism makes to securing local jobs and to the economic stability of the region," says Kösters.
Public budgets also benefit considerably. Around 193.9 million euros in value-added tax and income tax alone flowed from Münsterland tourism in 2024. This sum does not include municipal taxes such as property tax, trade tax or second home tax. "However, they reinforce the effects even further and make it clear that investments in tourism do not cause pure costs, but on the contrary lead to considerable returns through municipal tax revenues," emphasises Kösters in conclusion.
