Overview

• The number of hospitality establishments has climbed to around 4,300, leaving the region just 200 venues short of its 2019 count.
• Full-time staffing has rebounded to nearly 20,600 employees, supported by about 45,500 part-time and marginal workers.
• Urban venues report healthy activity, but rural districts face a “silent death” of businesses, according to Dehoga head Dirk Ellinger.
• The state association forecasts a slightly positive sales trend for 2025, contingent on easing cost pressures.
• Operators expect the federal plan to cut meal VAT from 19% to 7% will cushion expenses without leading to widespread price reductions.