Prices for leisure activities
A visit to Europa-Park Rust is set to become even more expensive
Europa-Park had already raised prices by around five percent in March of this year. photo
© Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa
A visit to the park could soon cost 300 euros for four people – a dig deep into the wallet, and not just for lower-income families. Providers of other leisure activities are also increasing their prices.
Whether it’s a movie night with friends, a concert by your favorite band or a day at the amusement park with the family – those who like to take advantage of leisure activities sometimes have to dig deep into their pockets in times of inflation and high energy costs. For example, for entry to Europa-Park Rust, which is now set to become even more expensive.
According to the online booking system, a standard day ticket costs Germany’s largest Amusement park from March 23, 2024 and depending on the day of the week between 61.50 euros and 69.50 euros – an increase of almost seven percent. Until January 7, 2024 you still have to pay between 57.50 euros and 65 euros. Europa-Park had already raised prices by around five percent in March of this year.
“Despite massive cost increases in all areas of the company, which are caused by inflation, higher wage and labor costs, but also higher energy prices and are well over 15 percent,” the Europa Park management decided on this moderate increase, it said Company.
300 euros for four people
For a group of four people, a visit to the theme park next year could cost around 300 euros. This isn’t just a drain on the wallet for lower-income families.
“Rising admission prices are a direct result of the economic conditions that leisure facilities are confronted with,” said Jürgen Gevers, Managing Director of the Association of German Leisure Parks and Leisure Companies (VDFU). General cost increases in the energy and food sectors as well as the effects of inflation often meant there was no alternative to price increases.
A proposal from the association: Eliminating the VAT discrimination against amusement parks in Germany. Comparable parks in neighboring countries as well as domestic facilities that would be in direct competition with amusement parks benefit from reduced VAT rates, said Gevers.
This would benefit the visitors. According to the association, only German amusement parks pay the full VAT rate on their entrance fees. This means that there is no fair competition at national and European level and admission prices are becoming more expensive, explained the VDFU managing director. “The sales tax is paid by the end consumer.”
Swift fans are not deterred by high prices
In the concert industry, people are still willing to pay high prices for tickets – at least when the big names are on stage. In July, for example, three million Taylor Swift fans tried to buy tickets for the US superstar’s three German concerts next year. The prices for the coveted tickets were between 150 and 500 euros. Swift (33) will play seven concerts in Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg and Munich in July 2024.
The managing director of the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV), Johannes Everke, sees the reason for the price increases in the industry in the production costs. In addition, there would be rising artist fees and wage costs. “But unlike in other industries, it is not possible for the organizers to pass on the sharp price increases in production costs to the end consumers.” You can’t convince a reluctant audience by increasing prices.
Personnel costs have also increased by 40 percent – the consequences of the corona pandemic. Basically, we see cost increases of around 30 percent in all areas. The result: a reluctance on the part of the audience – especially at smaller and medium-sized concerts or with lesser-known acts and young talent.
Cinemas are also increasing prices
“Success reports on the one hand stand next to concert cancellations and economic struggles for survival on the other,” said the BDKV. Companies also need to innovate or want to organize events more sustainably, which sometimes becomes a financial challenge.
The year 2024 is still optimistic: the industry has demonstrated great resilience through the corona pandemic and the war of aggression in Ukraine and sees itself prepared for the future.
Cinemas have also increased prices in recent years – although, according to their own statements, only moderately. According to the Film Fund, average ticket prices rose by 3 percent from 2021 to 2022, from 9.44 euros to 9.71 euros.
As in other industries, this is due to the sharp rise in energy prices and rising personnel costs, said Christine Berg, board member of the HDF Kino association, when asked. However, family tickets and numerous discount programs can often make going to the cinema more economical.