Tourism industry on Fehmarn can ensure continuous growth

There is no doubt that the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will mean changes for the tourism industry and the tourists visiting Fehmarn and Großenbrode. It is the responsibility, the report concludes, of the project proponent Femern A/S to actively minimise and mitigate adverse effects of the construction phase such as dust, noise, quality of bathing water and lorry traffic to and from the construction site near Puttgarden.

The local tourism industry, in turn, must do all it can to emphasise the opportunities and explain the temporary disturbances to the visitors in order for the island to benefit from the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link.

Changes must be expected
An area of approx. 1,500 m by 500 m east of the Puttgarden marshalling yard will be turned into a construction site for the tunnel portal with some construction-related traffic as a consequence – yet most of the construction material will be delivered by sea. Access roads in the near area will however be effected with roadwork.

The construction works will take place away from the touristic core areas of the region, so most tourists will most likely not notice them. In addition, no direct loss of tourism or spa infrastructure will occur due to the construction works themselves.

Detailed analyses and studies by Femern A/S have shown that the issue of sediment spill caused by coastal dredging works can be handled in a way that the touristic beaches will not be affected by visible turbidity during the main swimming season.

The construction and operation of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link involve both opportunities and risks for the growth of tourism on the island of Fehmarn and in the municipality of Großenbrode, the report states. Considered alone, however, they are not estimated to be either a boom factor or a strong hindrance for the growth of tourism.

Uncertainty among tourists
As part of the study, a survey amongst tourists visiting Fehmarn and Großenbrode in the summer 2009 was conducted. The survey clearly shows, that many tourists are concerned, some even afraid, of all disturbance the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel may cause. Especially turbid bathing water and noise from construction traffic is of concern.

The scientists, however, also note that visitors perceived the construction phase considerably more negative than actually warranted by the objective facts about opportunities and risks during that period.

Positive communication crucial
So far a rather grim picture of the negative effects of the project has been conveyed to the tourists and this image in itself may eventually cause a decline in tourism.

A positive image-forming communication by all actors in the region involved in tourism therefore plays a decisive role. In the estimation of the scientists, communication has an even greater impact on the growth in tourism demand than the changes in the tourism products and services on offer that are actually to be expected on account of the construction and operation of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link. “Communication” in this case comprises not only information via media but in particular also personal conversation with present and future guests on Fehmarn and in Großenbrode.

Particularly in advance of and during the construction phase this kind of communication has a major impact on whether visitors decide to continue to choose Fehmarn and Großenbrode as a destination.

Potential for benefits
The analysis of the report authors from NIT shows that the region has the opportunity, if it acts decisively and in time, to profit from the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link in the area of tourism.

The reduction in travel time allows Fehmarn and Großenbrode to be reached more easily for Scandinavian visitors. For the Øresund region around Copenhagen and Malmö, with its around 3.5 million inhabitants, Fehmarn and Großenbrode will, in the future, lie within two hours. This creates the opportunity to expand the potential for day trips and stopover traffic.

Already during the construction phase, the report concludes, the region can benefit from the creation of an attractive exhibition centre at the construction site that can attract additional day visitors.

About the study
The study 'Impact of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link on Supply and Demand in the Tourism Segment on the Island of Fehmarn and in the Municipality of Großenbrode' was commissioned by Femern A/S in spring 2009 and is produced by independent scientists at the Institute for Tourism and Recreational Research in Northern Europe (NIT) under the leadership of Dr. Dirk Schmücker. The study is based on specially developed methods that were evaluated by Prof. Dr. Hansruedi Müller (University of Bern) and it analyzes both the periods during and after construction of the fixed link across Fehmarnbelt.

The full study may be downloaded here (available in German only). An English background report with more information and the results of the study is available here.

Further contact
Dr. Dirk Schmücker, Leiter Forschung · Head of Research, NIT – Institut für Tourismus- und Bäderforschung in Nordeuropa GmbH. Tel +49 - (0) 431 - 666 567 - 0

Media contact
Inga Karten, Press Officer Germany
030 / 288 76 59 99 or 0173 / 2914250
ikn@femern.de