Health resorts account for 28% of all overnight stays in the German state, while tourism and spa activities support tens of thousands of jobs
Hesse’s health resorts and spa towns are a substantial economic force as well as centres for healthcare, prevention and rehabilitation. A new study presented by the Hessian Spa Association shows that visitor spending generated gross revenues of €2.4 billion in 2024, while the destinations accounted for more than a quarter of all overnight stays in the state.
Their economic importance extends well beyond hotels and medical facilities. Around 37,000 people work in healthcare alone in Hesse’s recognised health resorts and spa towns, with tens of thousands more employed in sectors benefiting from spa and tourism activity.
Health tourism supports regional employment
The study, conducted by tourism research and consultancy dwif, examines the wider economic effects of spa and tourism activity across Hesse’s recognised health destinations.
“The study once again makes clear the contribution made by health resorts and spa towns,” said Ralf Gutheil, Chairman of the Hessian Spa Association and a mayor. “The commitment of health resorts and spa towns pays off and can be measured in jobs. This is another reason why it is worthwhile for municipalities and companies to invest in spa and health-related infrastructure, specific products and marketing.”
Almut Boller, Managing Director of the Hessian Spa Association, emphasised the wider impact on local economies.
“The positive effects of spa and tourism can be seen in many different ways,” Boller said. “The holistic system strengthens the economy, drives employment and keeps the regional economic cycle moving. The public sector and municipal budgets benefit, as do hotels and restaurants, retail, crafts and businesses.”
9.6 million overnight stays in 2024
Hesse’s health resorts and spa towns recorded around 9.6 million overnight stays in 2024. Of these, 8.5 million were generated by commercial accommodation establishments with more than ten beds, a category that also includes preventive healthcare and rehabilitation clinics.
The destinations therefore accounted for approximately 28% of Hesse’s 34.8 million overnight stays during the year, underlining the role of health and spa destinations as a major pillar of the state’s tourism industry.
Day tourism is even larger by volume. The spa towns and health resorts recorded around 28.5 million day trips in 2024.
“In terms of visitor days, day tourists are by far the most important tourism market segment,” said Dr Bernhard Harrer, Executive Board member of dwif Munich.
Combining overnight visitors and day trippers results in approximately 38 million visitor days across the destinations.
Visitor spending reaches €2.4 billion
Day visitors spent an average of €33.20 per person, according to the study. Overnight guests staying in commercial accommodation spent considerably more, averaging €162 per person.
Together, day and overnight tourism generated gross revenues of approximately €2.4 billion in Hesse’s spa towns and health resorts during 2024.
The public sector also benefits directly. Tourism and spa activity generated an estimated €224.4 million in VAT and income tax revenues.
The economic impact extends further through supply chains. For every euro of direct value added generated by visitor expenditure, another €0.45 in indirect value added is created for suppliers, tradespeople and other service providers.
Health resorts combine tourism and medical care
The association argues that the economic figures cannot be separated from the healthcare functions performed by the destinations. Spa towns serve as regional centres offering health infrastructure while also providing recreation, cultural facilities and tourism services.
“Spa and tourism must be understood as a holistic system,” Boller said. “Only then can they develop their full impact.”
Beyond their tourism role, Hesse’s recognised health resorts provide expertise in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and medical care. This combination of healthcare infrastructure and visitor services places them at the intersection of the tourism and health economies, with their economic effects reaching hotels and restaurants as well as retail, local businesses and public finances.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration