Ministry of Economy publishes “Corona Paper” as part of the National Tourism Strategy project, led by Dr. Fried & Partner

In April 2019, the Federal Government of Germany decided on key points for a National Tourism Strategy. Thus, a corresponding project for the development of an action plan was initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under the leadership of Parliamentary State Secretary and Tourism Commissioner of the Federal Government, Thomas Bareiß MdB.

In this context, a consortium of consultants and communication specialists, led by Dr. Fried & Partner, was awarded with this project in October 2019. The aim was to draw up a catalog of recommendations for action for the Federal Government involving all stakeholders, which would ensure a successful tourism policy in the Federal Republic of Germany in the medium and long term.

COVID-19 is fundamentally changing the initial situation

It quickly became clear that with the outbreak of Covid-19 in Germany in spring 2020, tourism would be highly affected in the long run and the environment for the tourism industry would change fundamentally. Hence, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy expanded our mandate to include the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis. Above all, the concerns of the industry in connection with the pandemic had to be identified, evaluated and brought forward.

The result of this extended consultation process is now available in the form of the document “Bausteine zur Regeneration der deutschen Tourismuswirtschaft” (only available in German), which was published by the Ministry. This “Corona Paper” was drawn up in the period from August to October 2020 and represents a snapshot. It reflects the expectations of various parts of the tourism industry, classifies them and derives specific recommendations for action.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has accompanied the work process and has thus already been able to incorporate ideas, arguments and suggestions for measures into the work on the various aid programs of the federal government.

“Corona Paper” as part of the National Tourism Strategy project shows measures to revive the tourism industry

The recommendations set out are aimed at a rapid revival of tourism during or after the COVID-19 crisis and, from an expert’s point of view, represent the overall portfolio of promising opportunities. It is up to politics to weigh up the measures against each other and to prioritize them in accordance with the changes to be expected in the crisis.

The overall project regarding a National Tourism Strategy for Germany is currently being completed.

We would like to thank the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for the trust that has been placed in us. We will continue to actively support both the Ministry and the entire travel industry regarding the recovery of tourism.