Locks and gardens: Tourism power for Brandenburg unleashed!

Locks and gardens: Tourism power for Brandenburg unleashed!

In a recent study by the University of Potsdam, the economic importance of the Prussian castles and gardens for tourism in Brandenburg was illuminated. The client of the investigation was the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Potsdam. Over 500 interviewed visitors at the locations Potsdam-Sanssouci, Rheinsberg and Paretz clearly show that the cultural sites represent the main reasons for their trip to the region. A total of 50 % of the participants stated without the locks and gardens. This reports rbb24

The results are impressive: Each euro invested in the Prussian Palaces and Gardens (SPSG) is about 5.5 euros in turnover. Uta Herbst, the head of the study, emphasizes that these returns are noticeable in the areas of hotels, catering, retail and regional services. In Potsdam, overnight guests spend an average of 176 euros, while in Paretz there are only 32 euros. This underlines the differences in the economic potential of the regions.

development potential in Paretz

Ina Hänsel, President of the IHK Potsdam, sees great development potential in the gastronomy and tourist offers in Paretz. It gives the numbers a wake-up call for regional policy and emphasizes the need for a cultural tourism strategy. Meanwhile, the ambiguity of the admission prices in the historical parks of the SPSG could be a challenge, since the city councils of Potsdam have announced that the grants have to be hired on December 31, 2025. However, the state of Brandenburg has agreed to cover the costs for parking care in the future.

The study not only shows the high satisfaction values of the guests, but also finds that investments in the SPSG cause a high level of regional added value. Here, too, the importance of culture as a foundation for tourist value creation is evident, as already emphasized by the IHK president. Overall, it is clear that culture and tourism are closely interlinked and targeted support is important in order to be able to use the regional strengths.

tourism and cultural identity

But what about cultural identity in terms of tourism? Critics have always pointed out the dark side of tourism. Tourists are often subject to a superficial interest in the cultures of the regions. The discussion about tourism often focuses on negative aspects, while the positive opportunities often move into the background. It is a complex interplay: On the one hand, the risk of loss of identity and promoting anonymity in space, on the other hand, tourism can also promote security and activity in the target regions, as explained in an article from the Federal Center for Political Education, which you can find here: bpb.de .

These tensions between the opportunities and dangers of tourism require a differentiated view. While it is about preserving cultural identity, the positive aspects should be encouraged at the same time. Investments in the culture and the development of tourist offers can help to ensure that the local population feels strengthened in their identity and at the same time enjoys economic advantages.