New funding program strengthens inland tourism in Schleswig-Holstein!

New funding program strengthens inland tourism in Schleswig-Holstein!

Tourism in Schleswig-Holstein plays a crucial role as an economic engine. While the coastal regions have recorded significant success in recent years, the inland regions have lagged behind in terms of tourism. In order to counteract this situation, Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen presented a new funding program on May 21, 2025 that is specifically aimed at strengthening inland tourism. A total of 13 million euros from EU and state funds are available for this purpose. The aim is to position the inland region as an attractive travel destination and to increase the tourism added value there [schleswig-holstein.de] reports that ...

Entry into the funding program is possible now. Applications can be submitted to the Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH). There are two categories for funding applications. The first category includes non-investment projects such as the development of tourism concepts, offer and product development as well as digitalization measures. The application deadline is August 31, 2025. The second category, which covers investment projects, includes the expansion of cycling and hiking trails as well as the creation of new nature and cultural experience facilities. The application deadline for these projects is November 30, 2025.

Strategic direction and support

The basis of the program was developed in collaboration with actors from within the country. The Schleswig-Holstein inland tourism strategy was adopted in December 2023. The ARGE Binnenlandtourismus Schleswig-Holstein e.V., which was founded in 2024, acts as the central umbrella organization for the support and evaluation of the projects. This structured approach is necessary to achieve the desired developments.

Half of the funding comes from the state budget and half from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Depending on the type, the funded projects can have up to 80 percent of the costs reimbursed, with the maximum funding amount for individual projects being 500,000 euros [arge-binnenlandtourismus-sh.de] reports that...

Applicants involved and requirements

Applications for funding can be submitted by communities, community associations as well as organizations and institutions active in tourism. However, companies from the accommodation and catering industry are excluded from applying. It is also important that the project sponsor is a member of a local tourism organization (LTO) or works in close cooperation with one.

The ARGE Inland Tourism not only supports applicants with information about funding calls, but also by providing advisory services through its office in Itzehoe. A first MWVATT project call is planned for 2025, including relevant webinars for those interested.

The new funding program represents an important step in promoting Schleswig-Holstein's interior as an attractive destination while keeping the rural area functional. The inland tourism sector thus has the opportunity for sustainable development and a new form of value creation.