Representatives of the German Tourism Economy have met with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. In this meeting, the first of its kind, Klaus Laepple, president of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Economy and the German Travel Association voiced the central requests of the tourism economy. A clear, legally backed commitment to night flights, adjustments to value added, legacy and business taxes and exceptions in regards to environmental zones for overland buses is vital, he said, in order to steer the industry through the presently difficult economic waters. The same holds true, he continued, for a simplification of the German labor law, higher investments in tourism marketing, as well as avoiding a European solo in regards to emission trading in air traffic.

Together with other high-profile representatives of the tourism industry, Laepple demonstrated inside the Federal Chancellery why now is more than ever a time to extend understanding and tangible help to the industry, for the economic crisis has now reached the tourism industry. While the slumps were not as bad as anticipated, the year 2009 is estimated to end with a six to eight percent minus in the private and business travel segments. He added that the upcoming year is threatening to be a difficult one for the tourism business, as well – especially should the unemployment rate in Germany rise as predicted. The industry has learned from past crises and reduced capacities where possible, he continued, but along with the industry’s commitment and reactions, political changes are necessary and overdue.

On another note, Laepple thanked the chancellor as a representative of the government for its inclusion of the tourism industry in the “Economic Stimulus Package II“. He also described the federal government’s guidelines on tourism policies as a welcome approach which, however, needs still be adjusted with increased consideration to its economic impact and the needs of the industry.