Overnight tax in Ludwigsburg: Working the hoteliers grow!

Overnight tax in Ludwigsburg: Working the hoteliers grow!

Ludwigsburg is faced with a decisive course: The city plans to introduce an overnight tax from July 1, 2026. This tax would probably cost two euros per night for guests and, according to estimates, could bring in around 550,000 euros after the effort has been deducted. The municipal council will decide on the introduction at the end of June, an important step that affects the region's hotel industry directly. This Situation is viewed critically by many hoteliers.

Hoteliers demand simpler solutions. Marco Angas, the chairman of the DEHOGA district association, has already expressed concerns, especially about a possible percentage tax, which is currently also being discussed. He points out that such a solution would not only be more complicated to implement, but could also encounter little acceptance among guests. Mayor Matthias Knecht, on the other hand, is optimistic and does not believe that the new taxes will negatively influence the number of overnight stays. Nevertheless, the uncertainty with the hotel operators remains noticeable. Michael Steinbrück, director of the Nestor Hotel, sees the fee as an additional burden and wants an uncomplicated implementation.

risks and fears

What is behind the worries of the hoteliers? A frequently expressed fear is that business travelers and tourists could switch to neighboring cities to escape the tax. Thomas Fülster, Managing Director of Dquadrat Living GmbH, makes a comparison to the city of Constance, in which a bed tax of five percent is collected. He warns: "Ludwigsburg could fall behind in the competition for guests."

The introduction of bed taxes is a controversial topic in Germany. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) generally speaks against such taxes. The association sees a reason for its rejection in the unacceptable stress of a single industry. The economic arguments, which are sometimes cited to justify such taxes, do not convince: Tourism generates positive effects not only for the hotel industry, but also for other industry, especially retail. After all: more than 50 cities and municipalities in Germany are already committed to a bed tax, which shows that it is a widespread phenomenon.

advantages and challenges of the hotel industry

The hotel industry contributes to the revitalization of tourism and quality of life in city centers through self -financed marketing measures. In times of high inflation and increasing energy prices, the introduction of new loads by the associations is considered counterproductive. DEHOGA appeals to the municipalities to rethink the introduction of overnight taxes, but many cities want to close their financial gaps through such taxes.

Click here for more information href = "https://www.dehoga-bundeverband.de/branchenthemen/bettensteuer/"> Dehoga Federal Association , Dehoga Mecklenburg-vommern .