From 01.05.2025 there will be the Oberlausitz Guest Card with numerous admissions, discounts and free use of public transport.
What landlords should know
Who pays the guest tax?
Guests staying overnight in the municipalities of Großschönau, Jonsdorf, Olbersdorf and the town of Zittau and its districts pay a guest tax.
Guest tax must also be paid: People who are being cared for for therapeutic and spa purposes, residents who maintain a second home and do not work or are in training in the municipality, as well as non-resident owners of vacation homes, bungalows or similar.
What do I have to do as a landlord (hotelier, guesthouse and vacation apartment owner)?
As the landlord, you are the link between the guest and the municipality. As this is a tax, every landlord is obliged to collect the guest tax and the corresponding data. Interfaces to numerous reservation systems can be used for this purpose. If such a system is not available, the data is entered via an input screen using a PC or cell phone.
Can I advertise with the Oberlausitz Guest Card?
We would be delighted if you, as a landlord in the participating municipalities, would advertise the Upper Lusatia Guest Card and inform your guests about its benefits. If you require information or advertising material, please contact gaestekarte@oberlausitz.com.
How does guest registration for the guest card work?
Guest registration takes place via the AVS GmbH "Meldeschein" application, in which the guest data is entered. There is also the option of a pre-check-in, a digital data entry by the guest before arrival. Once the data has been entered, the guest receives the printed guest cards on arrival or, if an e-mail address and consent have been provided, they are automatically sent by system-generated e-mail.
What do I do if I don't have a computer or cell phone?
You are obliged to collect the guest data in such a way that the municipality can process it. If this is not possible digitally, it is still possible to collect this guest data manually and in analog form using a data entry form. The guest data must then be entered into the system in consultation with the respective municipality.
What happens to guests who have already booked for the period from May 2025?
As the guest tax is a levy, it cannot be waived unless there is an exemption. Guests who have already booked for the period from May 2025 must be informed of the charge in accordance with the municipality's decision and pay the tax on arrival.
Our guests do not use the entire guest card offer. So why should they pay the guest tax?
The guest tax is a levy, i.e. the overnight guest is obliged to pay this amount decided by the municipality. In doing so, they support the municipality and therefore the region in the financing and maintenance of tourist infrastructure, tourist events or the operation of tourist facilities. At the same time, it is possible to use separately designated services free of charge or at a discount according to the guest card. The tax amount is based on a calculation carried out by the municipality, which was calculated in accordance with Section 34 of the Saxon Municipal Tax Act.
Important information for benefit partners
What do I gain as a leisure business from participating in the guest card?
As a partner of the Upper Lusatia Guest Card, you benefit from joint advertising and reach overnight guests in the region in a targeted manner. By offering discounts, you create an additional incentive for guests to visit your business and contribute significantly to a positive vacation experience.
As a partner business of the Oberlausitz Guest Card, you receive the following benefits:
- Free placement as a partner with a link to your own website at: gaestekarte-oberlausitz.com
- Free entry in the "Oberlausitz Guest Card" brochure
- Advertising material for your establishment (stickers, flyers, posters for the Upper Lusatia Guest Card)
What happens if included services are used excessively or not at all by guests?
The services of the guest card are neither proportionately nor fully refundable, but only by the contractually agreed lump sum. Every overnight guest in the charging municipalities has the option of using the card. Every guest is free to use these included services.