How did the tourist year in Berlin 2024 go?
Burkhard Kieker- It's been a good year for tourism in our city. Admittedly, we're still racing to get back to pre-pandemic levels, but we're almost there. By 2024, we will have almost reached the 30 million overnight stays mark. This means that Berlin is Europe's third busiest city after London and Paris. The attraction of Berlin clearly remains intact. I think that our very un-Germanic lifestyle here is actually an asset in terms of creativity, entertainment and even gastronomy. We're a bit like the 'nutcracker' of Germany, in the sense that this city is like a multitude of splinters reflecting all the trends, all the developments, all the styles. Berlin is a bit chaotic and disorganised, but we love life!
These 30 million overnight stays have a lot to do with the congress business, which we are very good at. For example, there is excellent demand for conferences from the French. who discovered us as a conference city. In terms of image, Berlin benefited from the UEFA European Football Championship 2024.
What are your hopes for 2025?
B. K. - We believe that we will continue to benefit from the interest of tourists from all over the world this year. Nonetheless, Europe's economies are showing persistent signs of weakness which suggests that demand should be curbed somewhat. While people do want to travel, they are consuming less during the journey. This is reflected in the number of visitors to museums and other attractions.
However, we're gearing up for a special event this summer, celebrating the 'Berlin Insel Sommer' ('Berlin Island Summer'). We'll be celebrating 200 years of Museum Island in the historic heart of our city. This also applies to the multitude of islands and islets along our rivers and lakes. It's a theme that fits perfectly with what visitors are looking for: nature, culture, in tune with the local way of life. the concept of "coolcationThe search for cooler locations in the face of climate change...
Is Berlin the perfect destination for business travellers?
B. K. – Berlin is increasingly a popular business destination. And what's interesting is that this is not only due to the presence of political and governmental institutions but also to Berlin's dynamic lifestyle. The creativity and soft power industries mean that we remain one of the fastest-growing federal states in Germany. The job market follows the people who actually move to Berlin. This attracts prestigious companies such as Bosch and Mercedes, as well as start-ups, which find a qualified and diverse workforce here - in short, 'talent'.
In terms of conferences, we are working on the reactivation of the ICC, the congress structure of the 1970swhich was the largest of its kind in Germany and Europe. A concept is currently being studied. It's true that Berlin lacks the infrastructure to host very large conferences.
Inspired by a spaceship, the ICC Berlin could accommodate up to 5,000 delegates. Closed since 2014 due to asbestos, it is to be renovated (Photo: By Kasa Fue - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119943649)
Inspired by a spaceship, the ICC Berlin could accommodate up to 5,000 delegates. Closed since 2014 due to asbestos, it is to be renovated (Photo: By Kasa Fue - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119943649)Is the relatively limited air travel on offer a problem? What is Visit Berlin doing about it?
B. K. - We have difficulties in strengthening air services from Berlin but this is largely due to the government's aviation policy. For example, we have fewer low-cost flights, which is a shame because we are very much in favour of EasyJet and Ryanair. It has to be said that Berlin airport is very expensive for airlines, and this federal air tax is yet another nail in the coffin of German air transport.
We are very active as a tourism agency to attract airlines or more flights. As a result, we helped win 1.6 million extra seats for Berlin.. For example, we have managed to have up to three daily flights to New York. We also have Qatar Airways, Condor and Eurowings flights to Dubai. Finally, I am of course pleased that we have a ldirect train service to Paris, even if it's not at high speed the whole way...
Are AI and digital technology helping to improve Berlin's tourism product?
B. K. - We are working hard on digitising our offeringIn particular, it is able to identify cultural activities, museums and restaurants. Visit Berlin has compiled all these elements into an AI-driven information database, and is constantly on the lookout for technological improvements in this area.
As a businessman, what do you expect from a personal destination?
B. K. - As a businessman, I'm more impressed by an excellent restaurant, great shops or great exhibitions. Good transport links are important, but boring to comment on. Nowadays, I like a destination for its less hectic side, for the mentality of its people and its lifestyle. That's what really appeals to me, even on a business trip.
