Tourist tax reform on the Müritz: Hotel manager cheers about new rules!

Tourist tax reform on the Müritz: Hotel manager cheers about new rules!

Something exciting is happening in Waren an der Müritz: The city administration has apparently developed concrete plans to reform the spa tax. From April 2026, a lot could change, opening up new perspectives for both guests and hoteliers. This emerges from the current announcements that were made public on November 8, 2025.

In the future, arrival and departure days should be treated as a single day. This means that overnight guests will have to dig less into their pockets in the future. In the high season, the tourist tax for these guests is reduced from 2.70 euros to 2.50 euros. Day guests can also look forward to relief: their tax drops from 1.80 euros to 1.50 euros in the high season. In the low season, the tourist tax for overnight guests remains unchanged at 2 euros, but the daily tax is reduced from 1.30 euros to 1 euro.

Positive response from hoteliers

Katja Jedwillat, hotel manager and chairwoman of the Waren Müritz Hotel Association, is impressed by the new plans. The owner of the old town hotel “Goldene Kugel” confirms that the previous increase in the tourist tax in 2023 was clearly met with displeasure among guests. “We have shown a good hand here,” she explains, pointing out that the city administration included the hoteliers in the considerations at an early stage. The Mecklenburg Lake District Tourism Association is also convinced of the necessity of these measures.

Another important point is the electronic transmission of delivery data for landlords with more than eight beds, which will become mandatory in the future. Many hotel operators already use digital reporting systems, which makes handling even easier.

Court ruling strengthens reform

A recent decision by the Greifswald Higher Administrative Court, which stipulates that arrival and departure days do not have to be calculated separately, has acted as a catalyst for this reform. The city council of Waren will decide on the proposals on December 3rd. A step that both the city administration and the hoteliers are eagerly awaiting.

One thing is clear: the city government's efforts could bring about a positive change in the tourism sector. It remains to be seen how guests will react to the new rules and whether tourism can continue to gain momentum.