Die baltischen Staaten. Zur Wahrnehmung der Entwicklungstendenzen im Tourismus

Abstract Tourism is a growth industry in the Baltic States. Current marketing statistics indicate an increase in tours that encompass the capital cities as well as villages and rural areas throughout the Baltics. According to the latest reports, a significant percentage of foreign visitors are German- speaking tourists. This overview combines observation, interviews and quantitative measures to determine how well the Baltic tourism industry is prepared to accommodate needs of this specific customer group. At present, tourism study programs provide a limited range of German language courses, which meet the need for German-speaking tour guides. However, judging from cultural indicators, is apparent that the increase in German-speaking tourists will spark a simultaneous demand for more customized tours geared to the interests of smaller, more specialized groups. Recommendations address the need to design more diversified German studies programs to better prepare tour guides for the future.