Mengerskirchen (dpa/lhe) – The queues in front of the stalls at the Hessian Christmas markets could be longer this year. The reason is the lack of staff, which is also noticeable among stand operators, as the managing director of the Hessian state association for market trade and showmen, Roger Simak, told the German Press Agency.
According to Simak, between 10 and 20 percent of the positions cannot be filled compared to the pre-Corona year 2019. It is hardly possible to replace staff who are leaving for reasons of age or health: “There are simply no applicants there.” It is also only possible to a limited extent to compensate for the lack of staff through “process optimization”, such as switching to self-service.
However, Simak is not worried that the Christmas markets will not be set up in time. It is also possible to set up the stands and facilities with a smaller number of staff. “It just takes longer.” Since the construction and dismantling of Christmas markets is less time-bound than at the folk festivals during the season, there is enough time for this.
The Tourismus Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main also reported “staff-related cancellations by stand operators” at the Frankfurt Christmas market. Nevertheless, they are well positioned overall in Frankfurt, said the chairman of the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Showmen’s Association, Thomas Roie. The largest Christmas market in Hesse will open in Frankfurt on Tuesday, with more than 200 stands registered.