- Analysis reveals: Carnival surpasses previous year's sales figures remarkably.
Eager fans of Karneval and food enthusiasts alike are counting down the days till the merrymaking begins. Economists predict a profitable season ahead, with Rosenmontag fast approaching. Revellers are ready, and so is the city. This year's Karneval could rack up at least 2.1 billion euros nationwide, estimated by the Institute of the German Economy (IW).
The lengthy 115-day carnival season this year, stretching from November 11th to Ash Wednesday on March 5th, is the key driver for the anticipated boost. This year's season is an impressive 20 days longer than the previous one, granting more time for festivities and spending.
The carnival industry is a gold mine for the catering sector, with IW estimating a whopping 925 million euros in food and drink sales. Retailers also cash in, selling costumes and sweets, earning around 449 million euros. Train rides, taxi trips, hotel stays, and other services combined bring in approximately 1.2 billion euros. The remaining revenue is distributed among various sectors.
Hotel Prices in Cologne
Cologne, a popular carnival hotspot, sees a significant increase in hotel prices during these festive days. IW director, Michael Hüther, emphasizes the uplifting effect of the extended carnival season. He stresses that carnival symbolizes unity and optimism, particularly needed in these challenging times.
The IW has been calculating carnival turnover since 2019/2020, basing its estimates on previous studies. Correcting the data for inflation and the length of the carnival season, the resulting figures closely mirror the actual turnover.
Though Carnival Corporation isn't directly tied to Germany's domestic Karneval, cruise tourism plays a significant role in boosting local economies. Tourism, retail, transportation, and food and beverage businesses all benefit from cruise tourism in ports like Hamburg and Kiel.
Karneval enthusiasts and economists alike are in for a treat this year, with a longer season and increased opportunities to enjoy the festivities and contribute to the local economy.
During the extended carnival season, many holidaymakers plan overnight stays in popular destinations like Cologne, contributing to the surge in hotel prices. The boisterous carnival celebrations, including the grand Rosenmontag parade, add to the allure of attending a carnival carnival, attracting a large number of revellers. In the days leading up to Rosenmontag, the city becomes a bustling hub of excitement, with calculations showing that the food, drink, and retail sectors can expect robust sales.
