© dpa
According to the Senate's plans, Berlin will benefit even more from water tourism in the future.
Following a proposal by Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD), it has adopted a new concept for this, which is to be implemented from spring 2025. Among other things, more moorings, berths and rest areas on the water are planned, Giffey announced after the Senate meeting.
The expansion of the charging infrastructure for boats with electric motors is also an issue. The first corresponding water hiking route with five charging points is scheduled for 2025. However, according to the Senator for Economic Affairs, this is only "a first start". Orientation on Berlin's waterways should also become easier in future. In future, water tourists will be able to rely on digital information and guidance systems instead of traditional waterway maps on paper.
For example, information on moorings, the weather, water levels and route recommendations should be available digitally - ideally on a joint information portal for water tourism in the capital. Giffey pointed out that Berlin and Brandenburg have a lot to offer water tourists with almost 34,800 kilometers of waterways and around 3,200 lakes. The offerings have already grown in recent years. Nevertheless, the Senator for Economic Affairs believes that there is further potential: "I assume that we still have room for improvement."
Giffey sees the issue as part of the strategy to steer tourism even more towards the outer districts. There has recently been significant growth in tourist numbers away from the classic hotspots between the Chancellery and Berlin Cathedral. "We have decided that we want to strengthen this area." This year and next year, 400,000 euros will be available in the budget for planning and initial implementation measures. The money will also be invested in better marketing of the topic, Giffey announced. Among other things, a campaign is planned to promote Berlin as a destination for water tourists. "Berlin is the green city on the water," said Giffey. And this should also spread as far as possible outside the capital.