Vacation spots pushing for increased financial support and acknowledgement from the nation - Tourist Destinations Call for Higher Financing and Prominence from the Nation
**Lower Saxony Pursues Ambitious Tourism Strategy**
In the heart of Germany, Lower Saxony is poised to strengthen its tourism industry, aiming to transform it into a leading economic sector. With 15.4 million guests and 46.1 million overnight stays in 2024, the state ranked fourth in overnight stays, trailing behind Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia [1]. Despite not yet being a leading industry, tourism plays a significant role in the state's economic development and quality of life, contributing around 5% of its economic output, amounting to 13.6 billion euros in 2019 [2].
The state government, composed of the SPD and the Greens, has set a goal to define and anchor tourism as a leading industry in the state's development [4]. To achieve this, a new strategy has been proposed to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism industry, secure its long-term financing, and create innovative participation and cooperation formats [3].
The strategy aligns with the priorities of the European Union, focusing on climate protection, mobility, and digitization [3]. EU funding allocation in Lower Saxony prioritizes projects that address these objectives, such as low-carbon mobility, energy efficiency, smart tourism solutions, and sustainable transport infrastructure [3]. This approach supports the demand for holistic, sustainable development advocated by many tourism associations.
However, the Tourism Association of Lower Saxony (TVN) criticizes a lack of sufficient funding for tourist infrastructure in municipalities and calls for financial support for innovative, sustainable projects [5]. The TVN proposes financially supporting the 13 marketing organizations of the individual regions in Lower Saxony, with a base amount of 100,000 euros and additional subsidies weighted by the number of overnight stays [6]. The Association estimates that this would cost the state four million euros per year [6].
Meanwhile, health resorts in Lower Saxony are also demanding more financial support from the state to maintain their competitiveness. The Health Resorts Association suggests at least 38 million euros, but ideally 43 million euros, would be needed for this support [7]. However, the state has only promised two million euros for 2024 [7].
The Ministry of Economics in Lower Saxony is working on a new tourism strategy, expected to be completed by 2026 [8]. Despite the criticism from the TVN, the ministry rejects the claims and emphasizes the state's commitment to tourism [9]. In 2019, around 330,000 jobs were linked to tourism in the state [2].
As the tourism industry in Lower Saxony continues to grow, the state government and the tourism associations are working together to ensure the sector's long-term success and sustainability. The integration of EU cohesion policy with regional needs is expected to play a crucial role in this endeavour, focusing on climate protection, mobility, and digitization.
**Summary Table:**
| Aspect | Status & Approach | Integration with Tourism Association Demands | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | **Funding Sources** | ERDF, ESF+, national and regional funds | Flexible, multi-fund projects possible | | **Project Criteria** | Climate protection, mobility, digitization prioritized | Aligns with Association’s advocacy | | **Sector Integration**| Tourism projects increasingly require climate, mobility, digital components | Supports demand for holistic, sustainable development | | **Marketing Organizations**| Proposed funding of 100,000 euros base amount and additional subsidies weighted by the number of overnight stays | TVN's proposed funding model partially addressed | | **Health Resorts**| State has only promised 2 million euros for 2024, while TVN and Health Resorts Association suggest at least 38 million euros | Funding gap between state promises and association demands | | **Criticism and Response**| TVN criticizes lack of funding, Ministry of Economics rejects claims | Ongoing dialogue between TVN and the state government |
- Embracing a sustainable and innovative approach, the new tourism strategy in Lower Saxony is also considering the implementation of vocational training programs focused on tourism and hospitality, aiming to boost the quality of services and attract more guests.
- To enhance the lifestyle and travel experiences of visitors, the proposed strategy will incorporate the integration of eco-friendly transportation options and digital solutions, such as interactive maps and sustainable tour guides, promoting a more responsible and enjoyable tourism culture in the region.
