Holiday balance 2025: German guests save – gastronomy under pressure

The 2025 holiday tally is causing quite a stir: In the comments on the article "Germany's Big Holiday Tally: Restaurateurs Struggle with the Cost-Saving Paradox," many readers are responding with criticism of pricing in hotels and restaurants. Tax policy and government responsibility are particularly in focus. Some readers also complain about a distorted portrayal of tourism in the media. Conclusion: The discussion reveals clear skepticism towards politics and spiraling prices.

Many readers see food and beverage prices as the main problem. Frustration over "astronomical prices" and substandard quality dominates the comments. Indeed, rising costs due to inflation, energy prices, and staff shortages are impacting the restaurant industry – and thus directly influencing consumer behavior.

"I can't stand the whining anymore. Come back down from the sky-high prices, and sales and profits will be right again." Original comment

"In part, the restaurateurs are not innocent. If I have to pay €38 for a piece of veal liver with fried potatoes, I won't do it anymore." Original comment

"I have sympathy for the staff, which was permanently lost, especially due to the lockdowns. I have absolutely no sympathy for the pricing. When it comes to food, the price doesn't matter to me as long as I get decent quality on the table. If that's not possible, I'd rather cook it myself. But when it comes to drinks, the restaurateurs have almost universally lost all shame. I'd gladly have several drinks, but at these prices, I'll stick to just one. And I'm still convinced that you can earn more overall from three or more drinks at a fair price than from one expensive one." Original comment

"It's strange, you don't buy soggy fries anymore when they suddenly cost €8 and then expect something decent. And as a restaurant owner, you suddenly have to deliver quality—how often have I been annoyed because I ate a dish in a restaurant that I could have made better at home?" Original comment

"At my Italian restaurant around the corner, a pizza (unless it's a Margherita) now costs 14 euros. So you think twice about whether you'd rather just have a frozen pizza or a cheese sandwich for dinner. And yes, I could afford it, but at a certain point I just don't see the point anymore..." Back to the original comment

A large portion blames high taxes, levies, and government spending policies for the loss of purchasing power. Foreign aid and climate projects are particularly criticized. This clearly directs their frustration at the federal government. The reason: Tax and social security contributions have been at record levels for years, and any relief remains politically controversial.

"You can only spend the money once! So if you permanently increase taxes and duties, pricing and levies, you shouldn't be surprised that consumer spending declines..." Read the original comment.

"If the government (taxes, CO2, parking, etc.) and social security want more and more of the gross income, less net income remains. So there's less available for vacations and other things. This is called a loss of prosperity. The money that politicians patronizingly distribute around the world has to come from somewhere. The average person just doesn't recognize these connections." Original comment

"Here, one cog fits into the other. With high tax and social security contributions, as well as fees for daycare, etc., there's no longer enough left for a family to make ends meet like there was 15 years ago. So, compromises have to be made, and here, vacation is the top priority. But, as it looks, this is just the beginning. Deindustrialization is progressing, and energy prices will continue to rise..." Read the original comment.

Some readers consider the reference to the AfD as the cause of tourism problems in Saxony, for example, to be an inadmissible attribution. They see it as a politically tinged attempt at explanation and oppose the stigmatization of East Germany.

"The article was about the tourism industry, but when East Germany was mentioned, the AfD naturally had to be mentioned as well in order to defame the East." Original comment

"I have rarely read such nonsense… at least they were advertising for the Blues." Original comment

Readers report significantly better prices and services in Italy or the Czech Republic. Low costs and higher quality make foreign offers attractive.

"We're currently on vacation in Tuscany and have discovered that for three weeks here, with a holiday home and many restaurant visits, we're easily paying thirty percent less than if we had vacationed similarly in Germany. Plus, there are great free beaches, the water is clear, and a warm 26 degrees. The fillet steak at our favorite osteria costs 16 euros, a bottle of house wine 10 euros, an espresso one euro, and the homemade tiramisu 4 euros. So, I certainly wouldn't consider traveling to the Baltic/North Sea." Original comment

Some of the comments emphasize that traditional restaurant culture works with fair prices. Instead of trendy gastronomy, readers want generous portions, service, and a down-to-earth approach. For the industry, this means customer focus is key.

"Funny, decent portions at a fair price are always good. Home-cooked, no ready-made food. You can usually tell by the clear menus. Avoiding all the frills, choosing a good old pub instead of a trendy shop, and hospitality instead of an arrogant, cool demeanor, helps." Original comment

"The days when the saying: If you can't make it, you'll become a landlord, and if you haven't achieved anything, you'll make a living with insurance are over. Good service, reasonable prices, and the restaurant is still running today." Original comment

"How about if the restaurant industry takes a look at itself instead of always calling on the government? Away from the posh and trendy, towards more family-friendliness and a focus on the average consumer. Less is often more!" Original comment

Many readers blame the German government and its policies for the decline in the hospitality and tourism sectors. High energy costs, deindustrialization, and ideological blockades are cited. This places the industry's crisis in the broader context of economic mismanagement.

"The spiral has been set in motion. One industry follows the other into ruin." To the original comment

"Not to mention the employees and their families who worked in companies that recently filed for bankruptcy. They didn't even have to think about where and how to vacation and stayed at home. First and foremost, thanks go to Robert Habeck and the entire traffic light coalition." Original comment

A small part reacts with sarcasm: mockery of health authorities, authorities or the pricing logic of restaurants

"Just send the health authorities into the catering industry on a large scale - and the tax auditors to those who are left over..." To the original comment

"They want to save money and therefore book shorter stays. Instead of the usual two weeks, they are staying for just a few days. This trend is making things increasingly more complex and expensive for hotels and restaurants, operators unanimously stated when asked." This seems like a very solid concept to me. The fewer customers, the higher the prices." To the original comment

Readers' reactions to the German restaurant industry's summer results are clear: Many see high prices and taxes, but also their own offerings, as the main reason for the reluctance of guests. Join the discussion: What solutions could help make vacations and restaurants in Germany affordable and attractive again for everyone? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments.