DEHOGA Associations Coordinate Course Against Bureaucracy 2026

<p>The German hospitality industry is under pressure: bureaucracy, rigid working hour regulations, and new legal requirements burden businesses across the country. The DEHOGA associations are currently intensively coordinating on these industry issues and are setting common positions toward politics and the public. At the same time, the industry demonstrates with formats like the DEHOGA CUP 2026 that it actively shapes innovation and training for new talent.</p>

<h2>Bureaucracy reduction as a central concern</h2> <p>At the center of current coordination between DEHOGA state associations is the call for less regulation. On July 1, 2026, <strong>around 50 associations</strong> discussed concrete practical checks on bureaucracy reduction with State Secretary Connemann at the Mittelstandsdialog. The DEHOGA Federal Association has prepared its own publication with recommendations – according to the association, many proposals could be implemented immediately and at no additional cost to the state.</p>

<h3>Cash register requirements and mandatory labeling in focus</h3> <p>The association sees concrete need for action regarding the planned mandatory cash register requirement from 2027. The DEHOGA calls for <strong>practical exceptions, less bureaucracy, and clear legal security</strong> for businesses. In parallel, a broad coalition of associations positions itself against the planned expansion of mandatory labeling to the out-of-house market and calls on the BMLEH to drop this initiative. Both issues show how closely associations now work together on regulatory questions to speak with one voice toward the federal government and states.</p>

<h2>Working hours and minijobs: Flexibility demanded</h2> <p>Another focus of association coordination is labor law. With the campaign "More Freedom per Week," DEHOGA advocates for replacing rigid daily maximum working hours with a practical weekly maximum working hour in line with the EU Working Time Directive. At the same time, a broad alliance of associations has come together to secure the retention of minijobs in their current form – without disproportionate cost increases. Guido Zöllick, President of the DEHOGA Federal Association, commented on the recent political decisions with cautious optimism: <strong>"The announced reforms must come now. Less bureaucracy, targeted relief, and flexible working hours according to EU law. Germany needs the economic upturn!"</strong></p>

<h2>DEHOGA CUP 2026 – Platform for founders</h2> <p>Beyond political interest representation, the association also invests in industry newcomers. The <strong>DEHOGA CUP 2026</strong> will be held as a preliminary round to the Elevator Pitch BW state competition and takes place on <strong>February 11, 2026 from 12:00 p.m.</strong> Startups and young entrepreneurs from the hospitality industry have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a specialist audience. Such regional competitions complement traditional association work with an important innovation impulse and strengthen the visibility of new concepts within the industry.</p>

<h2>Hotel classification in the digital age</h2> <p>Even established quality standards continue to evolve: Since <strong>August 1, 1996</strong>, German Hotel Classification has provided guests with guidance – the stars are thus celebrating their 30th anniversary. In the future, the system should also be visible in AI-powered search and recommendation systems to meet the changed information search behavior of travelers. This adaptation shows how the industry adapts established instruments to new technological conditions without abandoning its core function – providing reliable guidance for guests.</p>

<h2>Conclusion and outlook</h2> <p>The current coordination of DEHOGA associations makes clear that bureaucracy reduction, flexible working hours, and practice-oriented regulation remain the central issues for the hospitality industry. At the same time, with formats like the DEHOGA CUP 2026 and the further development of hotel classification, the association also sends positive, forward-looking signals. Whether the announced political reforms will actually bring noticeable relief will become apparent in the coming months – the industry remains in close coordination to represent its interests collectively.</p>