Castles and gardens: tourism power unleashed for Brandenburg!

Castles and gardens: tourism power unleashed for Brandenburg!

A current study by the University of Potsdam examined the economic importance of Prussian palaces and gardens for tourism in Brandenburg. The study was commissioned by the Potsdam Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Over 500 visitors surveyed at the Potsdam-Sanssouci, Rheinsberg and Paretz locations clearly show that the cultural sites are the main reasons for their travel to the region. Fully 50% of the participants said they would not have traveled without seeing the castles and gardens. That reports rbb24.

The results are impressive: every euro invested in the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation (SPSG) generates around 5.5 euros in sales. Uta Herbst, the head of the study, emphasizes that these returns are noticeable in the areas of hotels, restaurants, retail and regional services. In Potsdam, overnight guests spend an average of 176 euros, while in Paretz it is only 32 euros. This highlights 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 catering and tourist offerings in Paretz. She calls the numbers a wake-up call for regional policy and emphasizes the need for a cultural tourism strategy. Meanwhile, the lack of clarity about admission prices in the SPSG's historic parks could pose a challenge, as the Potsdam city council has announced that they will end the subsidies on December 31, 2025. However, the state of Brandenburg has promised to cover the costs of park maintenance in the future.

The study not only shows the high levels of guest satisfaction, but also finds that investments in the SPSG result in high regional added value. Here too, the importance of culture as a foundation for tourism value creation becomes clear, as already emphasized by the IHK President. Overall, it is clear that culture and tourism are closely linked and targeted funding is important in order to be able to use regional strengths.

Tourism and cultural identity

But what about cultural identity in relation to tourism? Critics have always pointed out the dark side of tourism. Tourists are often assumed to have a superficial interest in the cultures of the regions they travel to. The discussion about tourism often focuses on negative aspects, while the positive opportunities are often pushed into the background. It is a complex interaction: on the one hand there is the risk of loss of identity and the promotion of anonymity, on the other hand tourism can also promote security and activity in the target regions, as is explained in an article by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, which you can find here: bpb.de.

These tensions between the opportunities and threats of tourism require a differentiated view. While the aim is to preserve cultural identity, the positive aspects should be promoted at the same time. Investments in culture and the development of tourism offerings can help the local population feel strengthened in their identity while enjoying economic benefits.

In view of the results from Brandenburg, it is clear: Investments in cultural sites are not only an enrichment for travelers, but also for the regions themselves. The key lies in clever and balanced development that both preserves the regional character and exploits the economic potential.