Germany's Lake District: East Germany's water nobility continues to be trendy!

Germany's Lake District: East Germany's water nobility continues to be trendy!

In an important cooperation, Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have decided to work together to promote water tourism. Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Enterprises of Berlin, Franziska Giffey, highlights the beauty of Eastern Germany, especially the German Lake District region. The aim of this cross-state alliance is to get people excited about the water on offer and to provide information about water tourism across the borders of the federal states. Daniel Keller, Brandenburg's Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection, emphasizes the relevance of this marketing initiative, which not only increases the region's attractiveness, but also leads to new added value.

Brandenburg, which has over 3,000 lakes and numerous rivers, sees the promotion of the water sports area as an opportunity to strengthen both the quality of life and economic stability in rural regions. Water tourism makes a decisive contribution to improving regional infrastructure and offerings in the hospitality and leisure sectors. Dr. Wolfgang Blank, Minister for Economy, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labor of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasizes that this cooperation is seen as a win for everyone involved.

Promotion through digital platforms

An important component of this initiative is the introduction of the platform www.deutschlands-seenland.de, which serves as part of a comprehensive water sports campaign. This platform offers tour recommendations, test reports and information for those interested in water sports in both federal states. A free travel magazine entitled “Your Summer, Our Element” is also offered, which can be requested from the TMB or the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Tourism Association.

The President of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Tourism Association, Wolfgang Waldmüller, emphasizes the enormous potential of almost six million Germans who would like to charter a boat in the next three years. Around 900 kilometers of waterways in both federal states can even be navigated without a license. The travel analysis shows that 20% of those interested in inland travel in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and 22% in Brandenburg are interested in boat charter holidays.

Economic importance of water tourism

The economic importance of water tourism cannot be underestimated; In 2016, Dieter Hütte, managing director of TMB, reported that 90% of holidaymakers in Germany were active by the water. The gross turnover from this sector amounts to around 4.2 billion euros. Particularly noteworthy is the “Grand Round Tour” on the website, a 586 kilometer long route recommendation that takes motor and houseboat riders from Berlin through various waterways to several locations.

With cross-state cooperation, the three federal states want to work on the attractiveness of Germany's lake district and position it as a unique highlight in German tourism.