Government Intervention in: Commission's Involvement in the Matter
In the cultural city of Unkel, the courtyard of the wine house "Zur Traube" played host to the 4th Touristic Network Meeting of the Economic Development in the Neuwied district [1]. District Administrator Achim Hallerbach, along with WFG Managing Director Harald Schmillen, Nature Park Managing Director Irmgard Schröder, and Nature Enjoyment Project Manager Jörg Hohenadl, welcomed Mayor Alfons Mußhoff of Unkel and Mayor Karsten Fehr of the Verbandsgemeinde Unkel.
The focus of the meeting was on tourism topics that will gain more relevance in the future, with nature and regional enjoyment identified as the two main focuses for successful tourism work. Regionality, with a focus on regional products and their enjoyment story, was identified as an important success factor in tourism marketing.
Nature Park Manager Irmgard Schröder presented on the Nature Park Rhein-Westerwald, while WFG Project Manager Jörg Hohenadl presented on the joint initiative "Naturgenuss-Partner". Steffi Klöckner, owner of the Birkenhof distillery and Naturgenuss producer, reported around 20,000 visitors per year to her distillery, highlighting the appeal of regional products.
County Executive Achim Hallerbach emphasized the importance of a network offer for businesses, institutions, and service providers to discuss tourism-relevant content. He keyed in on leveraging the park’s unique natural landscapes and promoting sustainable, nature-oriented experiences that appeal to visitors seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation. Hallerbach highlighted the importance of strong regional cooperation and targeted marketing efforts to boost the park's visibility and attract tourists interested in hiking, cycling, and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Engaging local communities and businesses to participate actively in promoting regional tourism is another crucial factor mentioned by Hallerbach, ensuring that tourism development benefits the whole area economically and socially. The continuous development of the park's infrastructure and environmentally friendly tourism options to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving the natural environment was also emphasized.
Producers and hosts of the Regional Initiative Naturgenuss, as well as representatives of the "Wällermarkt" as a logistics partner and digital sales platform for regional products, participated in the event and shared their experiences and win-win situations that can arise from cooperation between regional producers and tourism partners. Wendelin Abresch from the Wällermarkt and Stefan Heinrichs from the Geflügelhof Heinrichs in Bruchhausen participated in the network meeting and emphasized the importance of cooperation for direct marketing.
The city tour through historic Unkel, led by the historical association Unkel e.V. and city archivist Wilfried Meitzner, was the finale of the 4th Touristic Network Meeting. Hubert Lanz, owner of the Weinhaus "Zur Traube" in Unkel, reported positive feedback from guests regarding regional products in his restaurant. The "Networking meeting of tourist businesses in the district" aims to bring more guests to the region with an appealing offer.
Heinrichs, the owner of the Geflügelhof, called for attendees to intensify network work, seek new cooperations, and further develop the region's tourism together. This approach integrates nature conservation with innovative, experience-based tourism marketing strategies to position the Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park as a premier destination for sustainable tourism in the region.
[1] Source: County Executive Achim Hallerbach's speech at the 4th Touristic Network Meeting in Unkel.
