Crisis in the hospitality industry: Every ninth company in MV is fighting for survival!

Crisis in the hospitality industry: Every ninth company in MV is fighting for survival!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - The Situation in the hospitality industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania intensified in 2024. A new report by Tophotel shows that every ninth bankruptcy occurs in this sector. Despite the challenges of capacity restrictions and forced closings in the corona crisis, many restaurants and hotels have tried to assert themselves. Last year, the number of corporate insolvencies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania rose by 7.5 percent to 273 applications. The requirements of the creditors amounted to an impressive 226 million euros, an increase of 10.7 percent.

In particular, accommodation companies, including hotels and pensions, are severely affected. 32 bankruptcy proceedings were initiated in the hospitality industry, which corresponds to an alarming increase of 52 percent compared to the previous year (21 procedures). The President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in MV, Lars Schwarz, describes the numbers as worrying. "We also have to consider the countless operating tasks that are not recorded if the reserves of the operators are used up," he explains.

A look at the numbers

A closer look at the developments shows how serious the situation is: In 2022, only eleven insolvency proceedings were registered in the hospitality industry, which illustrates how dramatically the situation has changed. The companies in particular put pressure on the first months of 2025, since the sales of the restaurants are still around 18 percent below the level in front of pandemic. Lars Schwarz also points to the increasing costs of energy, food and personnel who jeopardize many companies.

The forecasts of the Creditreform information agency for 2025 indicate a similar development of the bankruptcies nationwide. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, however, the concerns of the innkeepers can be a small ray of hope due to the announced reduction in VAT for food in the catering.

The change in the corporate landscape

The commercial advertisements also show a dramatic change. In 2024, 12,659 trade registrations were recorded against 12,892 commercial registrations, which reflects the uncertain economic situation in the region. In comparison, the figures in 2023 with 124,810 registrations and 137,686 cancellations were even clearer in the red. All of this shows that the regional economy is affected by profound turbulence and that many companies are in a serious struggle for survival.

The reports about bankruptcies that do not leave a breeze of positive change continue. In October 2024 the D.I.V.E. GmbH from Schwerin Insolvent, followed by numerous other companies from various industries that were also unable to withstand the economic challenges, such as InfoBroker

summarized, many companies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, especially in the hospitality industry, face huge challenges. The next few months could be crucial for whether they have to stabilize or accept other company closings. It seems that the sector not only has to cope with the aftermath of the pandemic, but also quickly adapt to the current economic conditions. The hopes are now resting on the upcoming tax relief and an early increase in sales.