Bavarian health spas association warns of insolvency of spas and health resorts – Samerberger Nachrichten

The two lockdowns and restrictions caused by Corona have dramatic financial consequences for Bavarian spas and health resorts. “So far, we have had a loss of at least 10.4 million euros for spa and tourism contributions alone. That doesn’t even include the consequences of the second lockdown, ”said the acting chairman of the Bavarian Spa Association (BHV), Alois Brundobler, in his speech on the 74th Bavarian Spa Day, which was held for the first time as a virtual event. “The working group of the southern Bavarian tourist communities and health resorts and seaside resorts estimates the loss of the resort fee for 2020 at 13.6 million euros and the loss of the tourism fee at 7.9 million euros. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. We spas and health resorts are faced with a far more threatening situation than other municipalities. Without additional government support, we will face existential hardships. That would be devastating. With a gross added value of 4.5 billion euros and 100,000 jobs in rural areas, we are a strong pillar in the health industry and tourism. ”In a fire letter to Prime Minister Markus Söder, Minister of Economics Hubert Aiwanger and Minister of Health Melanie Huml, the BHV calls for a rescue fund with direct financial aid for the dramatic corona consequences. “Our members have invested heavily in recent years. Paying off the loans will keep her busy for a long time. We warn against insolvency. Because insolvent spas and health resorts would not only be disastrous for the health system, but also for tourism and rural areas. “

Economy Minister Hubert Aiwanger confident

“Bavaria is Germany’s most popular health travel destination. In no other federal state are so many rehabilitation services used as in the Free State, ”emphasized the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger. “This will remain so. After all, the pandemic has made it clear how important our health is. The business model of spas and health resorts is more topical than ever. I am therefore convinced that our spas will follow this success again after the current crisis. The companies will cope with the current stress test with the support of aid measures from the Free State and the federal government. “

Spas are part of the solution

The previous long-time BHV chairman and current State Secretary for Health and Care, Klaus Holetschek, emphasizes: „The Free State is committed to health resorts in Bavaria, not only because they are faced with particularly great challenges, for example with a view to maintaining the infrastructure of baths, thermal baths and all other facilities for health cures, but because they are part of a solution that enables people to return more quickly getting well or not getting sick in the first place ”. For this reason, the Free State is now providing ten million euros from the municipal financial equalization scheme for Bavarian health resorts and spas for a flat-rate compensation of reduced income from spa and tourism contributions. This is at least a first positive signal.

The cure should become compulsory

“As an association, we have been urging for years that the cure should once again be made compulsory by the health insurance companies. Thanks to the perseverance of our long-time chairman Klaus Holetschek, a breakthrough is now in sight. Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn stressed in a letter to us that the outpatient care benefits should be converted back into compulsory benefits. Our energetic and persistent urge has finally borne fruit, ”said Alois Brundobler.

The BHV chairman also praised the special programs and efforts of the federal and state governments to cushion the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic. “The Bavarian protective umbrella for rehab clinics was very helpful, we are grateful for that.” But none of this is sufficient for spas and health resorts. “We are in a special situation. Because we spend a lot of money on the infrastructure. Investments and maintenance of paths, spa parks, spa orchestras, thermal baths or other facilities are required. “

According to the municipal code, these are voluntary services and not compulsory services. This has serious legal consequences. “An example: In Bad Füssing with its 220 employees, these so-called voluntary benefits make up around 80 percent of the household. For the health resort, this means that the municipality should actually take out a loan to finance this in times of lockdown and a pandemic. However, this is not possible because no loans can be taken out for voluntary services. The allocation of needs in the municipal financial equalization is only granted for costs that relate to compulsory services. “A compensation of the trade tax losses is not sufficient. “Most of the spas and health resorts are in rural areas. You have hardly any business tax income. “

Brundobler called on the federal government and the state government to work out a long-term strategy for the time after Corona. “It should be a concern of politics and health insurances that the structures in the health system, for which Germany is internationally recognized, are preserved. This also and especially includes the spas and health resorts. Prevention must play a prominent role in health policy in the future. “

Report and photo: Bavarian Spa Association

Caption: The acting BHV chairman Alois Brundobler (left) and BHV managing director Rudolf Weinberger

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