Country conclusion: maritime charm and new opportunities
Larger spatial distances between exhibitors, mandatory masks in hotels and a reduced supporting program on land provided the framework for one Warnemünder Woche of a different kind. “This year was a special one, influenced by Corona Warnemünder Woche, but the athletes and our guests felt very comfortable. That was our request and we were able to fulfill it. “So the joy over the past ten days far outweighs it,” explains Fromm. The volunteers and full-time employees worked enormously to make this offer possible. “My special thanks go to you,” said the 48-year-old, who also includes the loyal partners and sponsors – from Wiro and the Audi Center Rostock to the Boot & Fun Berlin trade fair, Rostocker Brewery, AW Niemeyer, Güstrower and Marine and Federal Police See, the media partners and 24 sponsors. This loyalty to an event cannot be taken for granted. But the saying “in good times and in bad times” applies here, says Fromm.
Even if the Warnemünder Woche took place under more difficult conditions, it still gave new impulses and perhaps also insights. “We will rework everything. But I can already say that we have rediscovered the Kurhaus with the stage in the Kurhausgarten as an alternative. The events there had a dignified setting, so that the artists felt just as comfortable as the guests,” explains the head of tourism. You have to go with the small but nice one Warnemünder Woche gained good experiences. Nevertheless, the goal is of course to get back to our usual size and strength next year if possible. Matthias Fromm has been the tourism director of Rostock-Warnemünde since 2010, and in 2018 the tourism center was integrated into the organization Warnemünder Woche stepped in to relieve the burden on volunteer work.
“This team has gotten better every year. The cooperation and agreements with the regatta organizer and the team around the Warnemünder Sailing Club are right. Of course, there were some challenges to overcome before this collaboration was achieved as it is now. But the agreements are good and honest, and we work very objectively in our voluntary and full-time positions.” This 83 too. Warnemünder Woche was only possible together in this combination. “In this way, we were able to experience maritime life on land and enable encounters between the athletes, the guests and the locals,” adds Fromm.
The wish for the 84th Warnemünder Woche One thing is clear: all possibilities again and no corona effects. “We work every year to improve the sailing and cultural program. In the area of sailing, the goal must be to offer trendy sports such as surfing, foiling and kiting from the beach again. Warnemünde wants to bring sailing to the spectators. And our area with the beach and the land-based railways makes it possible.”
But before planning for 2022, there is another major maritime event coming up. The Hanse Sail Rostock will take place from August 5th to 8th. For this purpose, 60.000 square meters in Rostock's city harbor will be cordoned off and 15.000 people will be admitted in a Corona-compliant manner. For the tourism center, this challenge is even greater. But the effort is worth it – also for the region. The gross value added is estimated at around 24 million euros. “The traditional ships offer a unique maritime atmosphere. Now we are working on ways to make the Hanse Sail Rostock literally tangible through a variety of offers - perhaps through the Hanse Sail Burger, the Hanse Sail beer, souvenirs and, and, and…” Matthias Fromm is already in planning mode again. And Warnemünde is on track. – Herman Hell
