German states Thuringia and Saxony unveil new tourism strategies

German states Thuringia and Saxony have unveiled new strategic plans to bolster their tourism sectors and drive regional economic growth.

In Thuringia, Minister for Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John introduced a tourism strategy extending to 2035. The plan shifts focus from individual landmarks to a holistic ‘tourist experience,’ aiming to integrate services such as booking, transport, accommodation, and gastronomy into a seamless chain. The strategy utilizes the brand ‘Thuringia. The Green Heart of Germany’ to combat challenges like digitalization, labor shortages, and demographic shifts, aiming for higher quality and value creation rather than just increased visitor numbers.

In Saxony, Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch presented a master plan for Southwest Saxony, aiming to unite the Erzgebirge, Vogtland, and the Chemnitz-Zwickau region into a single travel destination. The plan involves evaluating 120 proposed projects, including a ski and event center on Fichtelberg and the development of the Göltzschtalbrücke brick bridge as a tourist attraction. The initiative seeks to leverage existing assets like cycling, health tourism, and local museums to increase jobs and revenue in these regions.