Last-minute holidaymakers looking for accommodations on Christmas Day or New Year's Eve in Lower Saxony's vacation spots have a chance to secure some spots, especially in vacation apartments and homes on the North Sea coast. However, tourists are keeping a close eye on price hikes and the withdrawal of the VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.
According to the North Sea Tourism Agency, roughly 70-90% of accommodations on the North Sea coast are already booked. Spontaneous travelers can still find accommodation on the coast, with free capacity available in vacation apartments and homes. Despite the high occupancy rate, you can find booking options through tourist information offices.
Many in Lower Saxony's Lüneburg Heath regions, including Goslar, have a busy booking situation with demand spiking due to popular Christmas markets. Even though there's still some room for last-minute bookings, guests should keep an eye out for rising prices resulting from the withdrawal of VAT reductions in the hospitality industry in January.
The Harz Mountains also welcomes last-minute holidaymakers, especially during holiday season events. Snowfall has boosted bookings for the period between holidays, but winter vacationers are not primarily drawn to the Harz for snow.
In the historic city of Lüneburg, travelers can enjoy their holidays during the festive season. Last-minute availability details are not provided, but the charm of Lüneburg makes it a worthwhile destination.
Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on guided New Year's hikes on the Lüneburg Heath, clearing their minds and enjoying the winter trails. Bookings for the first quarter of 2024 are already 30% higher than the record in 2022, with a total of 800,000 overnight stays, indicating the popularity of the area.
Price increases and staff shortages in the hotel and restaurant industries will affect the industry in early 2023 and beyond, detailing the challenges the hospitality industry faces.
In case you're planning to visit Lower Saxony's vacation spots during the holiday season, remember to book early and be prepared for price hikes. Last-minute availability is still available, but acts quickly as the popular vacation spots tend to fill up quickly.
