The 5th Tourism Talk at the Steigenberger Grandhotel and Spa in Heringsdorf. The Steigenberger Grandhotel and Spa organized the fifth Tourism Talk in Sequence. The theme of this year’s talk was “Internationalization of the destination Usedom – do we win or lose guests in the globalized world?”
The Tourism Talk was opened by the Hotel Manager Rolf Haug. After the presentation of the panelists Anke Michels (Director of Sales MICE, Steigenberger Hotel Group), Elisabeth Hiltermann (Business Manager, Kohl & Partner München), Werner Kreis (Managing Director, Meeting Consult International), Michael Gericke (Business Manager of the Historical Technical Museum in Peenemünde) and Tobias Woitendorf (Deputy Managing Director of the Tourism Association Mecklenburg- Vorpommern), The moderator Maik Wittenbecher (editor in the ARD studio) began with the presentation of Mr. Werner Kreis, in which he explained the visibility of Peenemünde.
From a global perspective Peenemünde is better known than the island of Usedom. The international market, for example Asia or the USA, are more interested in the historical-technical museum and its history to Wernher von Braun. For this reason the brand Peenemünde should be built in a sustainable way, he said.
In the following statement Anke Michels explained the about 70 guests the important facts and trends of MICE. In addition to the fact that 90% of the events in Germany are carried out by German companies, the infrastructure of the destination has an enormous importance.
The 5th. Tourism Talk at Steigenberger in Usedom
After the two presentations Werner Kreis intensified his opinion that Peenemünde is the unique selling point of the island which cannot be copied as opposed to the island. Elisabeth Hiltermann countered with her opinion that Peenemünde is a lighthouse of Usedom, but for the Germans the focus is the island at first. Furthermore it is important for the island to study the potentials and to analyze the aspects of improvement of the island. The airport Heringsdorf and the railway network strengthen these aspects. Michael Gericke also pointed out that the HTM is a part of Usedom, so the island should develop a new concept to put Usedom on the global map.
Tobias Woitendorf explained that only 30 to 40% of the meetings are considered as lucrative for the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The island of Usedom with a share of 1,2% in overnight stays of international guests represents the bottom. In order to increase these figures it is important to regain the Polish, Scandinavian, and Czech market with the help of agencies, says Anke Michels. In addition Elisabeth Hiltermann pointed out that the focus should be placed onto small and medium-sized businesses as a priority (based on the potential touristic capacity). In summary, the internationalization of the destination Usedom is only possible by a joint cooperation of all partners of the island.
