Tourism conference in Bad Krozingen

Tourism boosts the economy, society and culture in the Upper Rhine region

To mark its 30th anniversary, RegioTriRhena hosted a tourism conference in Bad Krozingen. The focus was on the potential of cross-border cooperation and the added value it creates. It is precisely through this collaboration that the region’s strengths come to the fore: the hotel and catering sectors, tourist attractions and cultural events on the German, French and Swiss sides complement one another to form a diverse range of offerings that benefits guests from both home and abroad, as well as the people living in the Upper Rhine region.

Eighty representatives from the tourism, cultural, business, administrative and political sectors met in Bad Krozingen on 28 September to discuss opportunities for cooperation. In his welcoming address, RTR President Dr Bernd Dallmann highlighted the tremendous growth in tourism – with over 30 million overnight stays across the three sub-regions – and the significant potential. At the same time, he urged politicians not to slacken their efforts towards cross-border cooperation, as too many important projects were currently on hold-

The Upper Rhine is one of Europe’s most exciting cross-border tourist regions. Year after year, the influx of visitors from all over the world testifies to the appeal of its tourist attractions. Tourism in the region is a major economic driver, underpinned by well-known attractions such as Europa-Park and cities such as Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Colmar, Strasbourg and Basel. Dr Kathrin Amacker, President of Regio Basiliensis, described the Upper Rhine as a dream destination with a diverse and high-quality range of attractions. She emphasised the benefits and opportunities of cooperation, citing successful projects such as the Museum Pass and joint destination marketing.

Brigitte Klinkert, a member of the French National Assembly, explained that the diversity of the sub-regions in the Upper Rhine area is a great asset for the border region. She called on stakeholders to strengthen cross-border engagement and to promote communication regarding the Tri-border region.

In a position paper published at the event, RegioTriRhena is calling for greater cross-border cooperation in tourism to advance the Upper Rhine region economically and culturally. An overview of the key demands:

• Develop shared experience areas and partnerships: Tourism offerings should be marketed as interconnected natural and cultural areas, regardless of national borders.
• Pooling of resources & digitalisation: Efficiency is to be increased through joint marketing and closer cooperation.
• Promoting infrastructure & mobility: There is a need for cross-border cycle and walking routes, as well as the expansion of cross-border public transport.

 An annual tourism conference is intended to establish lasting cooperation in the Upper Rhine region in order to develop new ideas, consolidate progress and, above all, foster the necessary networking through face-to-face interaction.