The Murcia region remains a winter destination that draws attention from German seniors considering a southward move to escape cold weather. The gas crisis linked to the situation in Ukraine and the uncertainty about long-term supplies in Germany are shaping travel industry discussions. German tour operators see an incentive for promoting winter-stay options in Spain as a way to reduce fuel use, and industry players along Murcia’s coast are watching the implications closely. While Mallorca and the Canary Islands are currently the top picks for German travelers, Murcia is awaiting a clearer signal about whether the offer will endure and what actions might follow.
The initiative’s architect was Marina Linnhoff, a leader of the Association of Independent Travel Agencies of Germany, who urged her government to consider a program allowing a 500 euro subsidy for pensioners staying in the south during the colder months. The idea is framed as a practical response to rising energy costs, offering an alternative to heating homes at home. Berlin has not issued an official statement, but Jana Schimke, chair of the Bundestag tourism committee, suggested that winter stays in Spain for the elderly would not necessarily offset the gas savings that might be foregone by not choosing domestic travel.
Locals and accommodation providers in Murcia remain cautious about the proposal. Regional authorities and the Ministry appear to be observing whether the plan progresses or if actions are proposed, according to tourism sources.
Jesús Jiménez, president of the HoyTú regional employers’ association, describes the prospects of German seniors spending the winter in the south as speculative at this stage. He notes that Mallorca remains a difficult competitor, but highlights Murcia’s advantages—steady average temperatures and sunny days that resemble the Canary Islands in climate. He urges the regional administration to spearhead promotional campaigns aimed at reducing seasonality, especially given available European funds that could support tourism abroad.
As for the Hostetur tourism association, the president emphasizes the German market’s loyalty to the Balearic Islands, while acknowledging that preferences can shift. Heating costs in Murcia are a factor for many operators, who will inevitably run their calculations. Yet the industry remains cautious, ready to respond to developments and market signals as they arise.[cited from La Vanguardia report on policy discussions and industry response]