Vetschau, 3 March 2023
The Spreewald recorded a total of 2.1 million overnight stays in 2022, 34,000 more than in the previous record year of 2019. These figures were published by the Spreewald Tourism Association in the run-up to the largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin. For the first time, the Spreewald is the region in Brandenburg with the most overnight stays. The average length of stay is 2.7 days. Most guests come to the Spreewald in the months of May to October, but the number of visitors has also increased in the winter half-year.
"Our region has developed strongly," says Annette Ernst, head of the Spreewald Tourism Association. "The local businesses have made good use of the time during Corona for modernisations and conversions of holiday accommodation of all kinds and gastronomic establishments. In addition, new, attractive offers for active tourism were created, because these were in greater demand than ever before during Corona and are important for directing visitors. Then we are known for our regional products, which sell very well both through online shops and in farm shops," Annette Ernst continues.
The Spreewald also offers optimal opportunities for group and team events. Whether team-building measures, incentives or conferences and events - in the Spreewald guests can both enjoy nature and be active and have a lot of fun. "We have increased our offer for events of all kinds and now offer unique experiences for every group size, for every idea, no matter how unusual, and for every budget," says Christian Matschke, responsible for the MICE business at the Spreewald Tourism Association.
"We are very proud that our travel region is so attractive for many guests from Germany and abroad," Annette Ernst continues. "To ensure that it stays that way, we will continue to work hard to improve the quality of service in our travel region, because guests should always receive the best possible service and competent advice during their holidays. Our three big topics for 2023 are sustainability, digitalisation and visitor management.
By participating in the 2022/23 national competition for sustainable tourism destinations in Germany, the Spreewald Tourism Association is committed, for example, to the development and promotion of environmentally compatible mobility in the Spreewald or to the active management of tourist flows.
"Of course, this year also presents us with challenges with issues such as the energy crisis, the sharp rise in consumer prices and the greatly changed global economic situation. Nevertheless, we are looking positively into the year 2023 and cordially invite you to visit the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve," says Annette Ernst with her forecast for the year 2023.
