Tourist Proposes Transforming MV into a Summer Getaway for Southern Europeans - Expanding Malta as a popular summer destination for tourists from Southern Europe
In the heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Rostock-Laage airport is being championed by tourism experts as a crucial player in the region's bid to attract more international tourists. With only approximately 3% of total overnight stays in 2024 being foreign tourists, Economics Minister Wolfgang Blank is keen to boost this figure [1].
The airport, currently under the ownership of Crisp Partners from Berlin, holds significant expansion potential as a summer resort gateway for tourists from Southern Europe. As northern Germany becomes increasingly attractive for southern Europeans seeking respite from hot summers, Rostock-Laage can capitalize on this by marketing itself as a gateway to beach resorts and summer vacation spots in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania [1].
The sale of the airport in 2025 has sparked regional industry consensus on securing it as a vital part of the tourism infrastructure to capture untapped markets. Kai Otto, head of the PTI Panoramica travel agency in Roggentin near Rostock, has written a letter to Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Economics Minister Wolfgang Blank (independent) advocating for this [1].
Otto believes that a "clear increase in incoming tourism" could be generated through this. However, the airport faces economic and ownership uncertainties, economic challenges, and the need for public and private sector cooperation to realize expansion goals [1].
The civilian part of the Rostock-Laage airport is owned by the federal government, and the question of whether and how the existing civilian-commercial co-use can be continued is being considered [1]. The primary purpose for this preservation is the expansion of cruise tourism and to attract vacationers from heatwave-plagued southern regions.
The Scandinavian markets have been successful in this regard for years, and the Bundeswehr's examination of its future operations in Laage is not directly related to tourism but is mentioned for completeness [1]. Dehoga state chairman Lars Schwarz sees the state as responsible for the Rostock-Laage airport, considering the privatization a missed opportunity for tourism [1].
In summary, Rostock-Laage Airport's future as a summer tourist hub for Southern Europeans looks promising based on emerging travel demands but requires coordinated investment, marketing, and policy support to fully unlock its expansion potential.
The Community policy should address the potential expansion of Rostock-Laage airport, focusing on promoting it as a gateway for tourists from Southern Europe.
The employment policy should consider strategies to attract foreign tourists, as an increase in incoming tourism is crucial for sustaining the growth of the airport and the local economy.
