regional status-quo / state of the art / good practise ...€¦ · transdanube | regional...

TRANSDANUBE

Report

REGIONAL STATUS-QUO /

STATE OF THE ART /

GOOD PRACTISE COLLECTION

DANUBE OFFICE ULM/NEU-ULM

Transdanube Action 3.2 / 3.3

V4 / 2013-07-29

TRANSDANUBE | Regional Status-Quo / SoA Danube Office Ulm/Neu-Ulm 2

© 2013 VERRACON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. 3

1 STATUS QUO ....................................................................................................................................... 9

1.1 Transportation and tourism system ................................................................................................. 9

1.1.1 Base data of the region ................................................................................................................ 9

1.1.2 Transportation ............................................................................................................................ 11

1.1.3 Tourism ....................................................................................................................................... 22

1.2 Existing Development plans ............................................................................................................ 34

1.2.1 Existing transport/mobility and tourism development/master plans/strategies ...................... 34

1.2.2 Results of previous projects ....................................................................................................... 39

1.3 Organizational and legal framework............................................................................................... 41

1.3.1 Organizational framework .......................................................................................................... 41

1.3.2 Legal framework ......................................................................................................................... 43

2 SWOT-ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................ 46

2.1 Transportation system and tourism structure ................................................................................ 46

2.2 Development plans & results of previous projects ......................................................................... 49

2.3 Organizational and legal framework & funding options ................................................................. 50

3 GOOD PRACTICE ................................................................................................................................ 51

3.1 Soft mobility offers and packages ................................................................................................... 51

3.1.1 Bayerwald-Ticket und GUTi ........................................................................................................ 51

3.1.2 KONUS Ticket .............................................................................................................................. 53

3.1.3 metropolradruhr ........................................................................................................................ 54

3.1.4 Fahrtziel Natur ............................................................................................................................ 55

3.1.5 BayernTour Natur ....................................................................................................................... 57

3.2 transportation and tourism information systems .......................................................................... 58

3.2.1 ITOUR ......................................................................................................................................... 58

3.2.2 Deutsche Donau ......................................................................................................................... 59

3.2.3 Drei Löwen Takt .......................................................................................................................... 60

3.3 Strategies and Plans ........................................................................................................................ 61

4 THE REGIONAL STATE OF THE ART - FACTORS FOR SUCCESS ............................................................. 63

4.1 Soft mobility offers and packages ................................................................................................... 63

4.2 Transportation and tourism information systems .......................................................................... 65

4.3 Success factors for strategies and plans ......................................................................................... 66

5 ANNEX .............................................................................................................................................. 68

5.1 List of references ............................................................................................................................ 68

5.2 Additional materials ........................................................................................................................ 68


0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The report on the regional status quo/state of the art gives a detailed insight into the current situation in

the areas of transport and tourism in the region of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria along the Danube. The

analysis looks into the existing transport systems such as train connections between cities and regions,

tourism in the region as well as information systems and it describes the relevant legal and organizational

frameworks.

With its focus on tourism hotspots along the German part of the Danube, the report concentrates on the

cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm, Donaueschingen, Günzburg, Regensburg and Passau as well as the surrounding

regions such as the county of Günzburg and the Alb-Donau county. These are identified as the most attrac-

tive destinations for tourists visiting the German part of the Danube and are therefore analyzed for their

touristic offers as well as accessibility with sustainable means of transport such as train, bus, bike or ship.

Some 9.4 million inhabitants live in the defined area, making up 11.6% of the population in the entire Dan-

ube Basin. The most important settlements and industry centers are located around the bigger cities, espe-

cially automible, electric and chemical industries. Approximately 58% of the land in the German Danube

region is used for agricultural activities. Within the selected project area there are two major protected

areas at the Danube, both located in Baden-Württemberg: the Upper Danube Nature Park (Naturpark

Obere Donau) and the UNESCO Biosphere reserve Swabian Alb (Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb). The

entire Danube in Baden-Württemberg as well as most parts of the Danube in Bavaria are reported for Natu-

ra 2000.


TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The defined region in general profits from its very good accessibility. Access by car and public transport to

the region from the large neighbouring international transport hubs of Zurich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich,

Nuremberg and Vienna and the airports situated in these cities is fast, frequent and often direct thanks to

the road and rail network. This is particularly true of the long-distance rail networks in the entire Danube

corridor from Donaueschingen to Tuttlingen, Ulm, Donauwörth, Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Passau. All

places along the entire Danube corridor are very accessible, connected as they are by local train and bus

services that run every hour or two hours.

Train services

A number of cities in the region have direct connections with nearby airports and major European interna-

tional rail hubs providing high-quality long-distance train services.

Selected direct long-distance rail links from towns situated along the Danube corridor:

From:

to

Donau-

esching

en

Tut-

tlingen

Ulm Günz-

burg

Donau-

wörth

Ingol-

stadt

Regens-

burg

Platt-

ling

Passau

Amsterdam ��

Berlin ��

Budapest ��

Dortmund ��

Frankfurt ��

Hamburg ��

Munich ��

Paris ��

Salzburg ��

Strasbourg ��

Stuttgart ��

Vienna ��

Zurich ��

The federal states are responsible for providing local passenger rail transport in Germany. Various transport

companies provide these local transport services as part of the so-called “integrated regularised scheduling

system” in line with standard criteria and integrated timetabling. If possible, bus timetables link up with rail

timetables.

Coach services

Since 1st

January 2013 numerous long-haul coach services connect many German cities and tourist destina-

tions with one another. There are also long-haul international coach routes between Germany and some

Eastern European countries.

In the Danube corridor there are a large number of regional coach services connecting the railway to tourist

areas, towns and leisure amenities outside the area. Transport authorities and transport companies have


joined forces to form transport area networks in order to establish standardised fares and timetables. Pas-

sengers can use a single ticket to access all forms of public transport (bus and rail) within a designated area.

Cycling

The situation in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria for cyclists is already relatively good; nevertheless the

state of Baden-Württemberg has set itself the goal of expanding its provision of cycling infrastructure. So far

there exist 17 designated and signposted, long-distance cycle paths which are also suitable for cycle tour-

ism. The most important one is the “Deutsche Donau” from Donaueschingen to the German border at Pas-

sau which forms the German part of the EuroVelo6 (EV6) route. There is also a rail network running parallel

to the Danube and the EV6 which is very convenient for tourists since all local trains along the Danube cor-

ridor carry bikes.

Danube shipping and cruises

The Danube in Germany only becomes an international waterway at Kelheim. There are river cruises on the

section between Regensburg and Passau. Passau is the start and endpoint for Danube cruises downriver to

cities and landscapes of the Danube countries – including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and the

river delta at the Black Sea.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Information on public transport, timetables etc. in the project area can best be obtained via the websites of

the respective stakeholders such as the German railway (www.bahn.de) or the various transport area net-

works:

Network area name Website Rail integration

Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald-Baar (VSB) VSB www.v-s-b.de Yes

Verkehrsverbund Tuttlingen TUTICKET www.tuticket.de Yes

Verkehrsverbund Neckar-Alb-Donau Naldo www.naldo.de Yes

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund DING www.ding.eu Yes

Verkehrsverbund Mittelschwaben VVM www.vvm-online.de No

Verkehrsgemeinschaft Donau-Ries VDR www.vdr-bus.de No

Ingolstädter Verkehrsgesellschaft ING www.invg.de No

Regensburger Verkehrsverbund RVV www.vvr.de Yes

Verkehrsgemeinschaft Landkreis Passau VLP www.vlp-passau.de Yes

Information regarding all aspects of tourism can best be acquired from the key stakeholders in the defined

focus area which are the tourism boards of Alb-Donau-Kreis, Donaueschingen, Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Günzburg,

Regensburg and Passau. Currently information for tourists intending to travel to the Danube region can best

be obtained from their web portals. The six main tourism webportals are:

• Alb-Donau-Kreis: http://www.tourismus.alb-donau-kreis.de/

• Donaueschingen: http://www.donaueschingen.de/de/Kultur+Tourismus

• Ulm/Neu-Ulm: http://www.tourismus.ulm.de

• Landkreis Günzburg: http://www.familien-und-kinderregion.de/


• Regensburg: http://www.stadtmarketing-regensburg.de/

• Passau: http://www.tourismus.passau.de

They offer a variety of information on tourism aspects each in their specific region. The information offered

on each of the websites is available in at least two languages i.e. German and English but most of them also

in French.

TOURISM SECTOR (DESTINATIONS, INDUSTRY, DEMAND, ETC.)

The selected cities in this report offer various touristic attractions:

Donaueschingen

Donaueschingen and its surroundings are known for being home to the source of the Danube. As the EV6

route starts here, Donaueschingen can be a starting or end point for cycle tourists travelling along the EV6,

but also for other tourists travelling along the Danube it can be of interest to see where it originates. Fur-

thermore the city of Donaueschingen also has other tourism sights to offer and with the surrounding

Schwarzwald (black forest) it is in general an attractive area for outdoor activities.

Ulm and Neu-Ulm

The two cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm are both situated directly at the banks of the Danube. Ulm is famous for

its minster (Ulmer Münster) which is the tallest church in the world with its tower of 161.53 meters. During

the summer months there are a couple of cultural events well worth visiting for tourists as well as locals.

The most important one is the International Danube Festival which is celebrated every two years during ten

days in the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm. During the festival, visitors have the opportunity to get to know

authentic Danubian culture with music, dance, literature, handicrafts and cuisine from all the Danube coun-

tries.

Günzburg

The county of Günzburg (Landkreis Günzburg) belongs to the neighboring counties of Ulm and Neu-Ulm and

has a major tourism hotspot to offer: Legoland Germany which is very popular among families. Besides, the

EV6 route also goes through Günzburg county which makes it attractive for cycle tourists as well.

Regensburg

Regensburg is one of the bigger German cities on the Bavarian Danube and is famous for its medieval city

center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the two major ports for ship transport on the

German part of the Danube.

Passau

Like Regensburg, Passau also offers ship transport on the Danube. Through the Rhine-Main-Danube Chan-

nel ships can go from Rotterdam up to the Black Sea. With nearly 440.000 visitors (2011) Passau has an

important role as a tourism hotspot along the Danube.


RELEVANT FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS (ORGANIZATIONAL, LEGAL, FINANCIAL)

The development of transport or mobility as well as tourism is embedded in a framework of various plans

and strategies from the federal as well as state level in Germany.

On the federal level regional planning is regulated by law in the form of the “Raumordnungsgesetz” (ROG)

and there is a federal transport infrastructure plan (Bundesverkehrswegeplan - BVWP) which forms the

basis for the development and expansion of federal transport infrastructure (rail, road, federal waterways).

In addition to these, the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have their own development plans and

strategies for transport and mobility issues as well as for tourism. These include:

• State development plan for Baden-Württemberg 2002 (LEP BW)

• Transport masterplan: Baden-Württemberg 2010 (GVP BW 2010)

• State development plan for Bavaria

• Transport master plan: Bavaria 2002 (GVP BY 2002)

Regional plans exist for the following planning regions in the Danube corridor: Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg,

Lake Constance-Oberschwaben, Donau-Iller, Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Regensburg, Donau-Wald.

Considering tourism, the state development plans (Landesentwicklungsplan (LEP) Baden-Württemberg

2002, LEP Bayern 2006) set binding guidelines for development in the regions and municipalities. Further

tourism plans on a more regional level were created by Tourism Board Baden-Württemberg (“Tourismus-

konzept”) as well as by the Bavarian state government (“Tourismuspolitisches Konzept der Landesregier-

ung“).

Conclusions

In summary the defined project region along the German parts of the Danube is internationally well acces-

sible. Tourists as well as other travelers can get into the project area using high quality trains from the

neighboring airports or international railway hubs. Often these direct train connections operate hourly, but

at least once a day via the rail hubs of Donaueschingen, Tuttlingen, Ulm, Donauwörth, Ingolstadt, Regens-

burg and Passau. In general it can be noted that there are a variety of connections to the long-distance as

well as regional railway network within the entire German Danube region.

Despite the good situation there are a few weaknesses concerning the accessibility of smaller towns and

municipalities. In the frame of the project, attention should therefore be paid on improving the accessibility

of these towns and to additionally focus on establishing an optimal combination with other means of public

transport such as buses according to the principle of an integrated regularized scheduling system. Addition-

ally the railway system should be expanded in the sense that hourly train services should be guaranteed

within the entire Danube corridor. The Bavarian Danube valley train (“Bayerische Donautalbahn”) which

operates between Ulm, Regensburg and Passau can be used as a best practice model.

Another weakness within the project region is long-distance bus connections. There exist for example no

bus connections between Ulm and Passau. On a regional level however, numerous bus lines exist which

connect those towns as well as tourism centers or areas off the main Danube corridor with the rail hubs.

Yet, the schedules focus on the needs of students rather than tourists.

The situation of bicycle traffic within the defined project region is very good. Still, the state government of

Baden-Württemberg has set itself the goal of further improving the bicycle infrastructure. Additionally


there is quite some potential concerning the development of bike rental systems along the Danube corri-

dor.

With tourist attractions and cultural highlights such as the Legoland in Günzburg, the International Danube

Festival in Ulm, but also the well-known UNESCO World Heritage old town of the city of Regensburg, the

defined project region has a lot to offer for tourists. Nevertheless it should be a focus within the project to

also concentrate on smaller towns or regions off the major touristic hot-spots and to work out their specific

features and offers for tourists. This should be done also with the background of sustainable tourism con-

sisting of more than just getting to a destination and around by using sustainable means of transport. It is

important to also focus on de-centralizing and decelerating tourism so that there are not just a few over-

crowded touristic centers but that the entire Danube region profits from the effects of sustainable tourism.


© 2013 VERRACON

1 STATUS QUO

1.1 TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM SYSTEM

1.1.1 Base data of the region

1.1.1.1 Focus area and transport nodes

The main tourism hotspots in PP20% DO project area are selected cities along the German Dan-

ube. The main focus lies on the cities:

• Ulm/Neu-Ulm: with the cathedral Münster (Minster) with its highest tower in Europe and

the International Danube Festival

• Donaueschingen: with Danube source (as it is interesting to see where the Danube has its

source)

• Günzburg: with the wonderful Legoland (as it is one of the main attraction for a lot of

tourists)

• Regensburg and Passau: with their offers of cruising on the Danube (as this is an im-

portant point while analyzing sustainable transport on the Danube)

All in all the accessibility of the defined region is very good. Arriving by plane is possible at the

airports Munich or Stuttgart (classified as nodes of type A). Due to the good connection to the

European high speed railway network arriving by train in Ulm or Günzburg (classified as nodes of

type A) is easily possible throughout Europe. Furthermore Ulm is one of the nodes within the

Magistrale for Europe, the Trans-European Networks project for the creation of a high-speed rail-

way line between Paris and Bratislava. Also arriving by bus is possible via long-haul coach services

and a large number of regional coach services connecting the railway stations to tourist areas,

towns and leisure amenities outside the area.


The Danube in Germany only becomes an international waterway at Kelheim. There are river

cruises on the section between Regensburg and Passau (classified as nodes of type A). Passau is

the start and endpoint for Danube cruises downriver to cities and landscapes of the Danube coun-

tries.

1.1.1.2 Statistical data

Population

Some 9.4 million inhabitants live in the area, making up 11.6% of the population in the entire

Danube Basin. Following table shows the inhabitants in the focus cities.

City Inhabitants

Ulm 120,000

Neu-Ulm 54,314

Donaueschingen 21,338

Günzburg 19,800

Regensburg 136,577

Passau 50,415

Land use and nature protection

The most important settlements and industry centers are located around cities, such as the auto-

mobile, machine and electric industries as well as the petrochemical and chemical industries. In

addition, the processing of agricultural products is also very important and 57.5 % of the German

Danube region is used for agricultural activities, mainly in the Danube valley (Donaumoos), in the

northern part of the Danube (Ries, Keuper-Lias-Land) and portions of the south-eastern part of

the Danube (Hallertau, Gaeuboden).

Within the selected project are there are two major protected areas at the Danube, both located

in Baden-Württemberg. First, close to the source, the Upper Danube Nature Park (Naturpark

Obere Donau) with 1.350 km² which is in partly also designated as nature protected area and ac-

cordingly natural monument. More than three-fourth of the park is affected by the Swabian Jura.

Second, the UNESCO Biosphere reserve Swabian Alb (Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb), desig-

nated in 2009 with 853 km² containing the biggest coherent kast area of Germany with 200 km in

length. The whole Danube in Baden-Württemberg is reported for Natura 2000, the ecological

41%

58%

1%

Land use

Industry Area

Agriculture Area

others


network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union. In Bavaria as well, most parts

of the Danube are designated Natura2000 areas.

Further along the Danube, outside of this report’s selected area there is the Augsburg-Westliche

Wälder Nature Park, the Altmühltals Nature Park and the Bavarian Forest National and Nature

Park.

Source : www.naturparke.de (cutout)

1.1.2 Transportation

1.1.2.1 Overview

The region is very well integrated into the trans-European transport network. Access by car and

public transport to the region from the large neighbouring international transport hubs of Zurich,

Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Nuremberg and Vienna and the airports situated in these cities is

fast, frequent and often direct thanks to the road and rail network. This is particularly true of the

long-distance rail networks in the entire Danube corridor from Donaueschingen to Tuttlingen,

Ulm, Donauwörth, Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Passau. All places along the entire Danube corridor

are very accessible, connected as they are by local train and bus services that run every hour or

two hours.

There is an extensive network of well-maintained and signposted cycle paths in the area section

of the Danube situated between Donaueschingen and Passau. The main route and backbone of

the existing cycling network in this section is the European long-distance Atlantic to Black Sea

cycle route (EV6). The route runs through the region from Donaueschingen to Passau and con-

nects with other national and regional cycle networks which mainly run along the tributaries of

the Danube. You can also travel along stretches of the route in comfort by using the rail network

which runs parallel to the Danube and the EV 6 cycle route. All local trains, in particular rail links

along the Danube corridor, also carry bicycles.


There are no public shipping services operating in the region. There are trips on the Danube in

the summer operating from Regensburg and Passau and between these towns and Linz in Austria.

Bicycles are also permitted on board.

1.1.2.2 Train Services

International connections

A number of towns in the region have direct connections with nearby airports and major Europe-

an international rail hubs providing high-quality long-distance train services including:

• Intercity Express (ICE) – operated by German Railways (DB – Deutsche Bahn)

• The TGV – operated by French Railways (SNCF)

• RailJet – operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB)

• Euro City Trains (EC) – operated by German Railways (DB) and Swiss Railways (SBB)

• Inter City Trains (IC) – operated by DB

• City Night Liner (CNL) – operated by DB

These services are often direct. They sometimes run hourly and at least once a day with direct

connections.

Selected direct long-distance rail links from towns situated along the Danube corridor:

From: to

Donau-eschingen

Tut-tlingen

Ulm Günz-burg

Donau-wörth

Ingol-stadt

Regens-burg

Platt-ling

Passau

Amsterdam ��

Berlin ��

Budapest ��

Dortmund ��

Frankfurt ��

Hamburg ��

Munich ��

Paris ��

Salzburg ��

Strasbourg ��

Stuttgart ��

Vienna ��

Zurich ��


Source: 2013 Timetable

Regional connections

The federal states are responsible for providing local passenger rail transport in Germany. They

order local transport services from various rail companies based on certain requirements. Various

transport companies provide these local transport services as part of the so-called “integrated

regularised scheduling system” in line with standard criteria and integrated timetabling. If possi-

ble, bus timetables link up with rail timetables.

Except for the section between Tuttlingen and Sigmaringen, there are local rail connections be-

tween stations along the Danube corridor. Services run at least every hour – in some sections the

trains run every half hour daily. You can take bicycles on all local trains. Reservation is generally

not necessary unless you are travelling in a group. During the summer months and the holiday

season, the rail network provides more bicycle-friendly trains between Ulm and Donaueschingen

und Ulm and Regensburg to cater for increased demand.

Donaueschingen

Donaueschingen links into DB’s long distance rail network with two Intercity lines (IC 26 Schwarz-

wald and IC 32 Bodensee). Donaueschingen is a major regional hub, where four railways meet.

They are the Schwarzwaldbahn, (Karlsruhe - Donaueschingen – Constance) and “Höllentalbahn“

which begins in Donaueschingen and goes via Neustadt to Freiburg. Donaueschingen is also the

starting point of the Danube Valley Railway which runs to Ulm and the Bregtal railway which runs

to Bräunlingen

The town of Donaueschingen is also connected to the Ringzug system. The

Ringzug, also called the “3er-Ringzug” is a rail passenger transport system situat-

ed in the districts of Tuttlingen, Rottweil and Schwarzwald-Baar in southern part

of Baden-Württemberg. The purpose of the Ringzug is to provide a regular rail

Budapest; 08:53

Bratislava; 07:03

Vienna; 05:28

Paris; 04:44

Salzburg; 03:00

Munich; 01:17

00:00 01:12 02:24 03:36 04:48 06:00 07:12 08:24 09:36

hours:minutes

Ulm

Time of travel from Ulm

Munich

Salzburg

Paris

Vienna

Bratislava

Budapest


service that is part of an integrated public transport network (comprising bus and other rail ser-

vices) and is modelled on the German S-Bahn (suburban train network) – but is based in a rural

setting.

Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald-Baar (VSB) district KONUS district

The town of Donaueschingen is part of the Schwarzwald-Baar (VSB) district, which includes the

district of Schwarzwald-Baar. You can use the same ticket on any mode of public transport in this

area (buses and trains) and a standard zone tariff applies. The KONUS card is also recognised in

the VSB. The term KONUS (abbreviation for Kostenlose Nutzung des ÖPNV im Schwarzwald – Free

use of public transport in the Black Forest) is a transport scheme offering tourists environmentally

friendly mobility in the form of free use of buses and trains in the nine transport authorities of the

Black Forest. The KONUS Guest Card is also called the Schwarzwald-Gästekarte (Black Forest

Guest Card). This card gives the carrier access to second class public transport provided by partici-

pating transport authorities.

Tuttlingen

Tuttlingen is a railway hub, where the Stuttgart to Singen Gäubahn railway and the Do-

naueschingen to Ulm Danube Valley Railway meet. Tuttlingen links into DB’s long-distance net-

work via IC line 87 which runs between Zurich, Singen, Tuttlingen, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. The

local network’s regional express (RE) trains also run on this line every two hours, providing direct

connections to Stuttgart and Singen every hour. Local trains running on the Danube Valley Railway

between Ulm, Tuttlingen and Neustadt Schwarzwald run every two hours. This service is comple-

mented by the Ringzug and the Naturpark-Express which operates during the summer. There is a


very regular bus service operating between the railway station (located on the outskirts of the

town) and the main bus station in the town centre.

Tuttlingen is home to the Tuttlingen transport authority – short for

TUTicket. TUTicket has joined forces with transport authorities in

Rottweil and Schwarzwald-Baar to form the Schwarzwald-Baar-

Heuberg regional transport cooperative, which means that a tran-

sitional tariff applies to journeys within the three districts of Tut-

tlingen, Rottweil and Schwarzwald-Baar.

Sigmaringen

Three railways lines meet in Sigmaringen. Sigmaringen is a station on the Danube Valley Railway

between Donaueschingen and Ulm. Here the Danube Valley Railway meets the Zollernalb Railway

which runs between Tübingen and Aulendorf. Sigmaringen is also the starting point of the branch

line that runs between Sigmaringen, Gammertingen and Hechingen. This line is operated by the

Hohenzollern state railway.

Local public transport comes under the auspices of the (NALDO) transport authority.

Ulm

Ulm is very accessible by rail. It is part of a long-distance international railway network and has a

large number of local lines. There are ICE/IC train services every hour to international airports at

Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart.

Line Route Regularity

ICE 11 Berlin – Frankfurt Hbf – Mannheim – Stuttgart - Ulm - Munich Every two hours

ICE 42 (Hamburg/Bremen) – Dortmund – Frankfurt Airport – Stuttgart – Ulm - Munich Every two hours

TGV 83 Paris Est – Strasbourg – Karlsruhe – Stuttgart – Ulm – Munich 1 pair of trains

EC/IC 32

Dortmund

Frankfurt – Mannheim – Stuttgart – Ulm

Munich - Klagenfurt 1 pair of trains

Münster Lindau - Innsbruck 1 pair of trains

IC 55 Magdeburg – Hanover – Dortmund – Mannheim – Stuttgart – Ulm - Oberstdorf 1 pair of trains

IC 60 (Strasbourg) – Karlsruhe – Stuttgart – Ulm – Munich – (Salzburg) Every two hours

EC 62 Frankfurt/Saarbrücken – Stuttgart – Ulm – Munich – Salzburg – (Klagenfurt/Linz) Every two hours

CNL Amsterdam – Stuttgart/Paris Est – Stuttgart – Ulm – Munich – (Innsbruck) 1 pair of trains

Ulm is the starting point for many local services providing direct access to the Allgäu (Kempten,

Oberstdorf), Lake Constance (Friedrichshafen, Lindau), and the Upper Rhine (Schaffhausen, the

Rhine Falls and Basel) every hour or two hours.


Ulm is the end point of the predominantly single-track and largely non-electrified railway line

running between Neustadt in the Black Forest to Donaueschingen, Tuttlingen, Sigmaringen and

Ulm. The timetable calls it the Danube Valley Railway. It is known for its charming route along the

Danube, particularly in the area of the Upper Danube Nature Park between Fridingen (near Tut-

tlingen) and Sigmaringen where there are numerous tunnel sections. The 190-kilometre long

section of the Danube Valley Railway between Donaueschingen and Ulm forms part of the region-

al express line between Neustadt/Schwarzwald and Ulm, which runs every two hours. There is

another service which runs every two hours between Sigmaringen and Ulm. This means that

trains runs every hour on this section of the line. There is also the Ringzug which operates in the

area around Tuttlingen and a regional train service between Ehingen an der Donau and Ulm which

runs every hour and stops at all stations. The Naturpark-Express also runs between Tuttlingen and

Sigmaringen at weekends during the summer providing additional capacity for the transportation

of bicycles. The Hohenzollern state railway operates the Ringzug and the Naturpark-Express.

Ulm is also the endpoint of the 202-kilometre long “Bavarian Danube Valley Railway” which runs

from Regensburg to Ingolstadt, Donauwörth, Günzburg and Ulm. The route follows the course of

the Danube and crosses it at four points. The line has been run by “Agilis” since the beginning of

2012 on behalf of the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG – Bavarian Railway Company). The

electric motor coaches run daily every hour and also carry bicycles.

The following railway lines meet in Ulm:

• KBS 750 KBS 750: Ulm–Geislingen–Göppingen–Plochingen–Stuttgart • KBS 751 KBS 751: Ulm–Biberach (Riß)–Aulendorf–Ravensburg–Friedrichshafen • KBS 755 KBS 755: Ulm–Ehingen (Donau)–Sigmaringen–Tuttlingen–Donaueschingen • KBS 756 KBS 756: Ehingen (Donau)–Ulm–Memmingen • KBS 757 KBS 757: Ulm–Heidenheim–Aalen • KBS 975 KBS 975: Ulm–Memmingen–Kempten–Oberstdorf • KBS 980 KBS 980: Ulm–Günzburg–Augsburg • KBS 993 KBS 993: Ulm–Günzburg–Donauwörth–Ingolstadt–Regensburg

The Donau-Iller Transport Authority (DING) organises public

transport in the area that overlaps state borders. This in-

cludes the city of Ulm, the Alb-Donau district, the Biberach

district and the Baden-Württemberg part of the Danube-Iller

planning region. The Neu-Ulm district on the Bavarian side

comes under DING’s remit.

There are many ticket deals. DING offers the Entdecker-Ticket (Discovery Ticket) and the Tages-

karte (Day Ticket) – which means that rail passenger can access a host of attractive destinations in

the Swabian Alb, Upper Swabia and Bavarian Swabia (Legoland Günzburg) on a single ticket. Some

of these lie outside the DING’s network area. There is no charge for the transportation of bicycles

on the regional rail network.


Günzburg

IC/EC trains on line 62 stop at Günzburg every two hours. Various other IC/ICE services and the

CNL Amsterdam – Munich night train also stop in Günzburg.

In terms of regional transport, Günzburg provides the following rail services:

Train type Route Regularity

RE Ulm –Günzburg – Augsburg – Munich (Fugger-Express) Hourly

Rb Ulm – Neu-Ulm - Günzburg – Dinkelscherben – (Augsburg) Single trains

Rb (Ulm – Neu-Ulm) – Günzburg - Krumbach - Mindelheim Hourly

ag (Agilis) Ulm – Neu-Ulm – Günzburg – Donauwörth – Ingolstadt - Regensburg Every two hours

ag (Agilis) Ulm – Neu-Ulm – Günzburg – Donauwörth – Ingolstadt Every two hours

Donauwörth

The Augsburg to Nuremberg line and the Ulm to Regensburg Bavarian Danube Valley Railway

meet in Donauwörth. The “Riesbahn” railway which comes from Aalen also ends in Donauwörth.

ICE lines 25 and 28 and IC lines 26 und 28 link Donauwörth into DB’s long-distance network. In

terms of local transport, the Allgäu-Franken Express provides fast and direct connections to Nu-

remberg and Oberstdorf and Lindau on Lake Constance. The Fugger Express provides hourly ser-

vices between Donauwörth and Augsburg and the Bavarian capital Munich.

Ingolstadt

With four ICE lines Ingolstadt is very well integrated into DB’s long-distance network. Ingolstadt is

situated at the intersection of a large number of railway lines:

• The Munich – Nuremberg high speed line: KBS 900/901/990

• (Munich) – Ingolstadt – Treuchtlingen – (Nuremberg/Wurzburg): KBS 990

• Ingolstadt – Eichstädt/Stadt: KBS 991

• Danube Valley Railway: KBS 993

Apart from DB trains (RE, Rb), Agilis (ag) and the Bavarian Regio Railway (Bayerische Regio Bahn -

BRB) also operate on these routes.

Regensburg

Regensburg is very accessible. The city is part of the long-distance international railway network

and also has a large number of local services. The nearest international airport is Munich. The

Munich – Hof, Nuremberg – Passau line and the Regensburg – Ingolstadt – Ulm line (The Danube

Valley Railway) meet in Regensburg. Rail passengers are served by Deutsche Bahn AG and three

private rail companies: Alex, Vogtlandbahn and Agilis. The following rail services are currently

available:



IntercityExpress Vienna – Passau – Regensburg – Nuremberg – Wurzburg – Frankfurt am Main

120 minute intervals

Express Frankfurt am Main Airport − Cologne – Düsseldorf -

(Line 91) Oberhausen − Essen (− Dortmund) / (− Hamburg-Altona)

Intercity Regensburg – Nuremberg – Wurzburg − Frankfurt − Cologne – Düs-seldorf − Once a day

(Line 31) Oberhausen − Essen − Dortmund − Hanover − Hamburg − Kiel

Intercity Passau − Regensburg – Nuremberg – Frankfurt – Dortmund − Ham-burg Once a day

(Line 26)

ALEX Munich – Freising - Landshut - Regensburg – Schwandorf – 120 minute intervals

(alex) Hof / Furth im Wald – Prague

Regional- Munich – Freising - Landshut - Regensburg – 120 minute intervals

Express Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz - Nuremberg

Regional-Express Regensburg – Schwandorf – Amberg – Nuremberg


Regional-Express Regensburg – Schwandorf − Hof


VBG (Vogtlandbahn) Regensburg − Schwandorf – Weiden (Oberpf) − Marktredwitz 120-Minute intervals

ag (Agilis) Neumarkt i. d. Oberpfalz − Regensburg − Straubing − PlaXling (− Passau)

Hourly

ag (Agilis) Ingolstadt − Regensburg − Eggmühl (− Landshut) Hourly

ag (Agilis) Ulm − Günzburg − Ingolstadt − Regensburg Hourly

The main railway station also provides a hub for city and regional bus services. RVV tickets can

also be used on regional trains operated by DB, Agilis and Vogtlandbahn within the area covered

by the local transport network.

Plattling

Plattling is a transport hub in the eastern part of Lower Bavaria and a stop on ICE 91 and IC 31

routes. The Passau to Regensburg line and the Landshut to Munich line meet here as does the line

to Bayerisch Eisenstein. The following services operate on these routes:


RE (DB) Munich – Landshut – Plattling – Passau (Danube-Isar-Express) Hourly

ag (Agilis) Neumarkt (Oberpfalz) – Regensburg - Plattling Hourly

Rb (DB) Plattling – Deggendorf – Bayerisch Eisenstein (-Spicak) Hourly


Passau

ICE services 31, 91 and 1691, IC services 31 and 26 and ÖBB’s (Austrian Railways’) EN (EuroNight)

Vienna to Hamburg service all stop at Passau, effectively integrating Passau into the long-distance

rail network. Passau is the starting point for the following rail services:


REX/R (ÖBB) Passau – Wels – Linz (Donau) Hourly

RE (DB) Passau – Plattling – Landshut – Munich (Danube-Isar-Express) Hourly

Rb (DB) Passau – Neumarkt-St Veit – Mühldorf (Upper Bavaria) Hourly

As (Agilis) Passau – Regensburg – Ingolstadt – Ulm A couple of trains at weekends over the summer

Ilztalbahn Passau – Waldkirchen – Freyung Weekend service

The Ilztalbahn was decommissioned in 2005. Local com-

munities wanted to buy the track to convert it into a cycle

track. Two funding organisations were then set up, but

they that had conflicting objectives of what to do with the

line. One of these, the Radwegenetz Unterer Bayerischer

Wald, wanted to turn the disused track into a cycle track.

The other funding organisation (Ilztalbahn GmbH which

was set up in 2006) wanted to resume a passenger rail

service, leased the line from DB and endeavoured to se-

cure an operating licence. In 2008 an application for an

Interreg IV programme was made to fund an international

public transport network between Ilztalbahn GmbH and

the Czech station Nové Údoli. The track was restored and

reopened in 2011.

1.1.2.3 Coaches

Since 1st January 2013 numerous long-haul coach services connect many German cities and tourist

destinations with one another. There are also long-haul international coach routes between Ger-

many and some Eastern European countries.

An excerpt from a current list of German domestic long-haul coach services:

Name of service Route Operator Network

system

Dresden – Wurz-burg - Lindau

Dresden – Chemnitz – Bamberg – Schweinfurt – Wurzburg – Ulm – Memmingen - Lindau

Bex Berlin Linien Bus

Berlin – Lindau Berlin – Leipzig Airport – Regensburg – Bex Berlin Linien


Passau – Bad-Füssing Bus

Ulm - Bayreuth Ulm – Augsburg – Munich Ingolstadt – Nurem-berg – Bayreuth

Deutsche Tour-ing

Eurolines

Erlangen-Regensburg

Erlangen – Nuremberg – Regensburg FlixBus

Memmingen Air-port - Bamberg

Memmingen Airport - Ingolstadt – Nuremberg – Bamberg

Bus and Fly

Ingolstadt Airport-Express

Ingolstadt – Munich Airport Ingolstädter Verkehrsges.

Airport Liner Regensburg – Munich Airport Stadtwerke Landshut

In addition to these services, Eurolines Group (www.eurolines.de) operates many direct interna-

tional or long-haul services between the Ulm, Regensburg and Passau and a large number of des-

tinations in South-Eastern Europe. Unlike the railways, the full range of services is not available

electronically or in any other medium but via each operator’s website.

Regional coach services

In the Danube corridor there are a large number of regional coach services connecting the railway

stations to tourist areas, towns and leisure amenities outside the area. Transport services in the

form of road-based coach passenger services are usually not profitable. Urban and rural districts

can make their own arrangements as part of their public service provision. Transport links often

extend beyond the boundaries of a single administrative district. Transport authorities and

transport companies have joined forces to form transport area networks in order to establish

standardised fares and timetables. Passengers can use a single ticket to access all forms of public

transport (bus and rail) within a designated area. However, rail services are not yet integrated in

a small number of areas. The easiest way to find out information on fares and timetables is from

the websites of companies that form part of the network.

Network area name Website Rail integration

Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald-Baar (VSB) VSB www.v-s-b.de Yes

Verkehrsverbund Tuttlingen TUTICKET www.tuticket.de Yes

Verkehrsverbund Neckar-Alb-Donau Naldo www.naldo.de Yes

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund DING www.ding.eu Yes

Verkehrsverbund Mittelschwaben VVM www.vvm-online.de No

Verkehrsgemeinschaft Donau-Ries VDR www.vdr-bus.de No

Ingolstädter Verkehrsgesellschaft ING www.invg.de No

Regensburger Verkehrsverbund RVV www.vvr.de Yes

Verkehrsgemeinschaft Landkreis Passau VLP www.vlp-passau.de Yes

1.1.2.4 Cycling

Cycling accounts for an increasingly important and expanding segment of traffic volume. It is one

of the three forms of environmentally friendly means of transport, these being public transport,

cycling and walking. Cycling does not cause air or noise pollution and therefore has a positive

impact on the environment, the climate and our quality of life. Over short distances, the use of

bicycles is often the fastest means of transport and offers additional health benefits. Cycle tour-


ism is becoming increasingly important in leisure transport. Cycling is making a contribution to

the government’s environmental target of achieving a 10% reduction in energy consumption in

the transport sector by 2020 and 40 % by 2050 compared to 2005 (The Federal Government’s

National Cycling Plan). Pedelecs (bicycles where the rider’s pedalling is assisted by an electric mo-

tor) are becoming an increasingly important part of the cycling market.

The state of Baden-Württemberg has also set itself the goal of expanding its provision of cycling

infrastructure which is already relatively good. Baden-Württemberg already has 17 designated

and signposted long-distance cycle paths that are suitable for cycle tourism. The website

www.radroutenplaner-bw.de provides information on cycle routes throughout Baden-

Württemberg and a lot of other information relating to cycling. The state is currently developing

its own cycle network. The network consists of the main cycle routes that pass through Baden-

Württemberg’s main areas of development and most densely populated areas, the state’s long-

stance tourist cycle routes and the European and national cycle paths. There are also a large

number of regional recreational networks particularly in the Upper Danube Valley.

The state of Bavaria provides extensive information on cycling and cycle tourism

(www.bayerninfo.de/rad). In this section of the Danube there is also a network of local recrea-

tional and tourist cycle routes.

The main artery of the cycle network in the German area of the

Danube (from the source of the river at Donaueschingen to the

border at Passau) is the “Deutsche Donau” Danube cycle route.

The route forms part of EuroVelo-EV6 cycle route which runs from

Donaueschingen to the Black Sea Schwarzes Meer. The Danube

Valley Railway which runs alongside the entire section of the cycle

route means that tourists can combine rail travel with cycling.

You can also find out where to hire and repair bikes along the Danube by visiting www.deutsche-

donau.de.

1.1.2.5 River cruises on the Danube

The Danube in Germany only becomes an international waterway at Kelheim. All motorised ship-

ping is not permitted upstream from Kelheim. There are river cruises on the section between Re-

gensburg and Passau.

Two river cruisers (the MS "Donau" and MS "Ulmer Spatz") offer river trips on the Danube in Ulm

over the summer months. You can also travel between Ulm and Neu-Ulm by solar ferry in the

holiday season.

Passau is the start and endpoint for Danube cruises downriver to cities and landscapes of the

Danube countries – including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and the river delta at the


Black Sea. There are also cruises operating from the Danube which go via the Rhine-Main-Danube

canal to the Rhine and downstream to Netherlands or Basel in Switzerland.

1.1.3 Tourism

As there are different cities in the focus of Danube Office Ulm/Neu-Ulm we depicted the most

important cities and/or counties from our work area, being – beginning from the source – Do-

naueschingen, Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Günzburg, Regensburg and Passau. Together with Ulm/Neu-Ulm

and Günzburg the county of Alb-Donau (Alb-Donau-Kreis) will be analysed. In each chapter the

reader will find criteria or reasons why the cities/counties were selected. We have inserted links

to English websites where available.

1.1.3.1 Donaueschingen

The region of Donaueschingen is known for being home of the source of the Danube. Having in

mind that visitors travelling along the German Danube also like to know “where it all begins”, we

included Donaueschingen into this report. It is the start of the well-known bike trail Donauradweg

(Danube Bike Trail/Danube Cycle Path) from the source to the Delta passing all ten countries. Of

course, the City of Donaueschingen has more tourism sights to offer than the source of the Dan-

ube. It considers itself as a region of outdoor activities. Therefore promotion and marketing activi-

ties are highly directed towards bike-tourists, best agers and bus trips for larger groups. Most

visitors come to Donaueschingen between May and September, mainly from Germany. Most for-

eign tourists are from Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Austria and Spain. The Stadtmobil

Südbaden AG offers eco-friendly car sharing (http://www.stadtmobil-suedbaden.de/en/home/).

Local bike shops offer bikes for rent, also E-bikes to explore the city and the region. The VSB

(Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald Baar GmbH) is the region´s partner in terms of public transport.

People staying overnight in Donaueschingen receive the so called KONUS guest card which allows

them to use bus and railway in all nine public transport regions from the Black Forest, Rhine-

Neckar, Pforzheim to Waldshut. The information system comprises a multilingual web-portal

(www.donaueschingen.de) and links to the website on other portals such as www.schwarzwald-

tourismus.de, www.naturpark-suedschwarzwald.de, www.bodensee.de. Additionally, the tourist

has the possibility to find out about touristic aspects at an info-terminal which is placed outside

the tourist information in Donaueschingen, so that people are independent from opening hours.

The members of the tourist information are fluent in German, English, French, Spanish and Hun-

garian.


Figure shows number of arrivals and overnight stays in Donaueschingen. Table: Statistisches Landesamt Baden-Württemberg

1.1.3.2 Ulm/Neu-Ulm

The City of Ulm with its mighty Minster (Ulmer Münster) and adorable old fisherman´s quarter

(Fischervierte”) situated directly at the Danube forms the main focus of this state of art report.

The data included in this report come from UNT (Ulm and Neu-Ulm Tourism board) which is re-

sponsible for all kind of marketing and tourism activities of the two cities. There are two peak

periods in the year when most visitors come to Ulm and Neu-Ulm.

In the summer period between May and September major outdoor and cultural activities are

tourism magnets. Unique for Ulm is the local bank holiday Schwörmontag, when the mayor of the

town makes a vow to continue his or her work in the following year with the best benefit for all

citizens. In the afternoon, thousands of people “go swimming” in the Danube with self-made

boats, called “Nabada”. The whole week-end is filled with various cultural events.

Another important tourism event is the Internationales Donaufest. Every second summer the

cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm invite to this festival organised by the Donaubüro. During ten days,

300.000 visitors have the chance to get to know Danubian authentic culture of 10 countries: mu-


sic, dance and literature as well as cuisine, handicrafts and numerous encounters. The Interna-

tionales Donaufest Ulm/Neu-Ulm was launched as a joint project of the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm

in 1998 in succession of different civic activities. The objective of the Internationales Donaufest

Ulm/Neu-Ulm is the connection of the cities and the people along the Danube. As a cultural and

culinary showcase of the Danube countries, the festival is supposed to offer authentic concerts,

theatre, dance, literature and exhibitions to broad levels of the population. For politicians and

scientists it serves as meeting point and exchange platform. The next Internationales Donaufest

will take place from 4-13 July 2014.

In winter between November and January, the Christmas market in Ulm attracts many people

from abroad. The percentage rate of foreign tourists travelling to the region is about 26-27 %,

whereas most visitors (2011) came from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, USA, Great

Britain and France (see table).

Overnight stay in Ulm and Neu-Ulm 2011. Figure: Ulm/Neu-Ulm Touristik

Target groups are mainly tourists interested in culture, weekend travellers, bike-tourists, guests

from neighboring counties, one-day-visitors using organised bus tours and tourists with caravans.

UNT informs on its webpage (www.ulm.tourismus.de) in two languages (German and English)

about its portfolio and services. With regard to soft mobility the existing offers are as follows:

• Ulm card (includes free use of public transport systems in Ulm and Neu-Ulm, sightseeing

tour and free entrance to museums, etc at a reduced price)

• “Segway tours” in Ulm


• Car2go – Daimler car sharing offer for the region, electro mobility and fuel

• Bike rental (is planned)

Further on, an App was developed that gives broad information on the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm

(https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/ulm/id396659228?mt=8).

Current estimations show that approx. 60% of visitors come to the region by car, 25% by train,

10% by bus and 5% by bike. As for visitors staying overnight in Ulm and Neu-Ulm it is remarkable

that the numbers are rising – a certain offer for soft mobility could well add to this in future times.

Table shows the development of overnight stays in Ulm, Alb-Donau and Neu-Ulm in total since 2002. Figure: Ulm/Neu-Ulm Tourismus

Table shows the ratio of arrivals and overnight stays in Ulm and Neu-Ulm since 2000. Figure: Ulm/Neu-Ulm Tourismus


1.1.3.3 Günzburg

The county of Günzburg (Landkreis Günzburg) belongs to the neighboring counties of Ulm and

Neu-Ulm and has a major tourism hotspot to offer: Legoland Germany. Tourists travelling to

Günzburg arrive mainly during summer time vacation and with special regard to the opening

hours of Legoland. Tourists travelling to Günzburg and the region mainly come from Austria

(2490), Switzerland (1512), the Netherlands (757) and Italy (612) (Data from 2011). The target

groups of tourists are mainly families, and other tourists travelling by bike, for instance. As the

Danube Bike Trail is running through Landkreis Günzburg, its promotion activities aim at these

groups. What is more: an App for mobile phones is available (GZ App) where tourists can get fur-

ther information on tourism hotspots, sightseeing tours, travel and accommodation, etc.

The city of Günzburg also offers a special bike trail running straight to “Legoland”. The offer is

complemented by bike-rentals (also E-bikes) available at the tourist office or certain cooperating

hotels. Current data reveal that although the marketing activities aim at a great deal at bike tour-

ists, 85 percent of the visitors still arrive by car, 9 % by train and only 2 % by bike. Soft mobility

offers apart from public transport system (public bus) are E-bike rentals, Carsharing (Confi-Share)

and Flexibus. Flexibus offers a way for passengers and tourists in the county to travel, in a very

flexible” and comfortable way. Via a service number, visitors can make a reservation for a certain

destination at a certain time. The bus drivers then drop people off at the stop, which has been

ordered in advance by phone.

Overnight stay in the region, split according to months. Table: Stadt Günzburg

The table shows the overnight stay in County Günzburg in a monthly split since 1999. No earlier statistic data is available. Table: Regionalmarketing Günzburg GbR - Wirtschaft und Tourismus


1.1.3.4 Alb-Donau-Kreis

Together with Ulm, Neu-Ulm and Landkreis Günzburg, the Alb-Donau County (Alb-Donau-Kreis)

forms the core of this tourism report. The region defines itself as the so called “Innovationsregion

Ulm” (Region of Innovation) a term which comprises and bundles all the economic, scientific, so-

cial and touristic aspects of this region in the southern part of Germany. The main travel-time to

Alb-Donau-Kreis is from June to September. Current data reveal that the numbers have been con-

stantly rising over the years since 1986. (cf. Table)

Table shows the number of arrivals and overnight stays in Alb-Donau-Kreis since 1986.

The main target groups are families, senior citizens, best-agers (50+), hikers, bicycle-tourists, na-

ture loving people and those interested in culture. For bike tourists Alb-Donau-Kreis offers a varie-

ty of bike tours and trails. Only recently (2012) the tour “Albtäler” (Alb valleys) has been certified

by ADFC (German Cyclists’ Federation). This year special E-bike stations (rent and electric reload-

ing) will be installed to provide a good service for bike-tourists with a tight net of service stations.

What is more: Alb-Donau-Kreis is operating three bike-busses (Operating time: May- October,


even on bank holidays) and also operates the “Biosphärenbus” which commutes between Mun-

derkingen and Münsingen, Blaubeuren (Monastery and “Blautopf”) and Westerheim and also

between Langenau and Heidenheim. The transport of a bike is free of charge.

(http://www.biosphaerenfuehrer-alb.de/biosphaerengebiet-alb/umweltfreundlich-ins-

biosphaerengebiet/index.php)

The marketing activities to promote tourism in Alb-Donau-Kreis comprise newspaper and maga-

zine advertisement, participation in tourism fairs, mailings, online marketing and cooperation

with certain organizations and boards (Schwäbischer Alb-Tourismusverband, ARGE Deutsche Do-

nau, ADFC, and others)

Table shows number of foreign tourists (2011) to Alb-Donau-Kreis in comparison to total number of tourists.

1.1.3.5 Regensburg

Regensburg is one of two major ports for ship transport on the German part of the Danube. The

touristic promotion of the city is mainly done by Stadtmarketing Regensburg (City marketing Re-

gensburg). Transport and mobility is mainly served by public transport system “Regensburger

Verkehrsverbund” (http://www.rvv.de). In cooperation with Stadtmarketing tourists can get a

“Regensburg card” which allows the use busses at a reduced price and also entrance to certain

museums. Furthermore, the local ship transport of the Danube can be used at a bargain price.

(See: http://www.regensburg-card.de) Interviews with representatives of public transport sys-

tems revealed that not many soft mobility offers exist. A share taxi and shuttle bus is offered by

public transport (RVV) to reach remote areas around Regensburg. The seasonal focus of tourists

coming to Regensburg is between March and October and on weekends before Christmas (De-

cember). The majority of arriving tourists uses car (56,43 %) followed by bus (19,01 %), plane

(17,3 %) and train (4,86 %). The marketing for Regensburg focuses on website, tourist infor-

mation, Besucherzentrum Welterbe (UNESCO information center) and Apps for iPhone and An-

droid . Regenburg tourists are mainly from Germany (75%), 25% are from abroad. See table how

they split up:


Figure shows countries where tourists predominantly come from (2011). Table: Stadtmarketing Regensburg

Arrivals, overnight stays and foreign visitor data. Table: Stadtmarketing Regensburg


1.1.3.6 Passau

Like Regensburg, Passau also offers ship transport on the Danube. Through the Rhine-Main-

Danube Channel ships can go from Rotterdam up to the Black Sea. With nearly 440.000 visitors

(2011) Passau has an important role as a tourism hotspot along the Danube. (See Table)

Overnight stays in Passau since 1985. Table: Tourismus Passau

The major shipping company is Wurm und Köck (www.donauschiffahrt.de) which offers with its

fleet of twelve ships a variety of charter and day trips on the Danube via Budapest up to the Black

Sea.


The table shows the amount of cruise ships stopping at Passau since 1992 and the amount of passengers. Table: Passau Tourismus

The city also offers a public bus transport system run by Verkehrsbetriebsgesellschaft Passau, bike

rentals and car-sharing system (www.carsharing-passau.de). Also a bus shuttle (AST – Anrufsam-

meltaxi) is provided by Stadtwerke Passau. Since the famous “Donauradwanderweg” is running

through Passau also many bike-tourists visit the city especially during summertime. Further fa-

mous bike trails are: “Innradweg”, „Römerradweg” and "Via danubia". Therefore the city consid-

ers itself as an ideal place to start a bike trip along the Danube. Many foreign tourists are attract-

ed by that offer. For details see table below:

The table shows the countries and the percentage of guests from foreign countries in Passau since 1994

A very good feature for tourists in Passau is an interactive map, where information about Passau

is collected and well displayed: http://maps.passau.de/

Screenshot: maps.pasau.de


1.1.3.7 Web portals of key stakeholders

Information regarding all aspects of tourism can best be acquired from the key stakeholders in the

German area of the State of the Arts analysis which are the tourism boards of Alb-Donau-Kreis,

Donaueschingen, Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Günzburg, Regensburg and Passau. Currently information for

tourists intending to travel to the Danube region can best be obtained from their web portals. The

six main tourism webportals are “Alb-Donau-Kreis”, „Donaueschingen“, „Ulm/Neu-Ulm“, “Land-

kreis Günzburg”, “Regensburg” and “Passau”. They offer a variety of information on tourism as-

pects each in their specific region. The information offered on each of the websites is available in

at least two languages i.e. German and English but most of them also in French.

http://www.donaueschingen.de/de/Kultur+Tourismus http://www.tourismus.alb-donau-kreis.de/

www.donaubuero.de http://www.tourismus.ulm.de


http://www.familien-und-kinderregion.de/ http://www.stadtmarketing-regensburg.de/

http://www.tourismus.passau.de


1.2 EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PLANS

1.2.1 Existing transport/mobility and tourism development/master plans/strategies

1.2.1.1 Transport

European transport development plans:

The European Spatial Development Plan (ESDP)

The European Spatial Development Plan (EDSP) is a European spatial development project which was conceived in 1998/1999. It can be called a European master plan. It enables EU member states EU to exert influence on regional development and provides a framework for regional de-velopment on a European level.

www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/pdf/sum_de.pdf

Trans-European networks

The idea of trans-European networks was first conceived in 1996 in the guidelines for the devel-

opment of a trans-European transport network (Nr. 1692/96). 30 priority projects were identified

in the area of transport (TEN-T). In early 2012 European transport ministers agreed to review the

TEN-T strategy, develop a unified transport network and prioritise key projects. The core Europe-

an network of the future consists of ten corridors. The network is scheduled for completion in

2030. The project is estimated to cost EUR 250 billion.

The Danube corridor region includes:

- Corridor 10 STRASBOURG – DANUBE

This new corridor forms the eastern part of what was formerly priority axis 17 (The Paris – Stras-

bourg – Stuttgart – Vienna – Bratislava/Budapest railway axis).

www.ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/infrastructure/


The National level: Germany

Regional planning (Raumordnungsgesetz (ROG))

Regional planning in Germany is regulated by law in the form of the “Raumordnungsgesetz”

(ROG). The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development is responsible for re-

gional planning issues. The Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning is the higher federal

authority in this area (www.bbsr.bund.de).

Federal transport infrastructure plan (Bundesverkehrswegeplan (WVWP))

The federal transport infrastructure plan (Bundesverkehrswegeplan - BVWP) forms the basis for

the development and expansion of federal transport infrastructure (rail, road, federal waterways).

It contains all proposed rail, road and waterway transport infrastructure projects. It sets out the

planning framework but is not a financial plan or programme and carries no legal force. The cur-

rent plan dates from 2003 and is valid until 2015. Work has already begun on the preparing the

updated version of the plan.

The Federal transport infrastructure plan forms the basis for legislation relating to the upgrading

and expansion of each transport sector including their requirement plans. The Federal Ministry of

Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) puts forward 5-year plans for implementing

this work based on the requirement plans. An integrated transport infrastructure investment plan

for Germany (IRP) was devised infrastructure in Germany for the first time in 2007. It specifies the

main areas of investment for the upgrading, construction and maintenance of transport infra-

structure in Germany (www.bmvbs.de).

The State Level

The state development plan for Baden-Württemberg 2002 (LEP BW)

The state development plan for Baden Württemberg provides the overall framework for regional

development in the state. It stipulates the objectives and principles governing regional develop-

ment in terms of key infrastructure projects in the state, set within the framework of federal and

state law. Any infrastructure planning - in particular regional planning, local district planning and

single-item planning - must conform with the state development plan (www.mvi.baden-

wuerttemberg.de).

Transport masterplan: Baden-Württemberg 2010 (GVP BW 2010)

The motto for the masterplan is “Sustainable transport development – keeping you mobile”. The

aim of the masterplan is to work towards providing a continuous network of transport systems

and a suitable and environmentally friendly division of responsibilities focussing on the environ-

mentally sustainable partnership of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The motto trans-

lates into three pillars:


• Transport and the community

• Transport and the environment

• Transport and the economy

(www.mvi.baden-wuerttemberg.de).

The state development plan for Bavaria

For over 30 years the state development plan has provided the basis and guideline for infrastruc-

ture development in Bavaria Freistaats. It provides a key tool for implementing the overriding

objective “bayerischer“ for state development policy in Bavaria: To provide and maintain equality

in terms of living and working conditions in all parts of the state (www.stmvt.bayern.de).

Transport master plan: Bavaria 2002 (GVP BY 2002)

The 2002 transport master plan for Bavaria factors in the transport policy challenges brought

about by, for example, the impending enlargement of the EU to the east and recent changes in

transport policy and planning attributable to the growing importance of environmental issues.

The increasing efficiency of the overall transport system plays a key role. The masterplan presents

other key transport issues such as the integration of Bavaria into the European transport network,

prospects for transalpine transport, the improvement of transport conditions in major urban are-

as and access to Munich airport (www.stmwvt.bayern.de).

Regional plans

Planning regions on the Danube corridor:

Name of region Website

Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg www.regionalverband-sbh.de

Lake Constance-Oberschwaben www.bodensee-oberschwaben.de

Donau-Iller www.rvdi.de

Augsburg www.rpv-augsburg.de

Ingolstadt www.region-ingolstadt.bayern.de

Regensburg www.region-regensburg.de

Donau-Wald www.region-donau-wald.de

1.2.1.2 Tourism

Landesentwicklungspläne (LEP)

In Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria the main spatial development strategies are defined in the so

called LEP (“Landesentwicklungsplan”, resp. “Landesentwicklungsprogramm”) which outline and

include binding guidelines for development in the regions and municipalities. They are basically


focused on the field of strengthening rural areas, economy, settlement, developing sites,

transport and development of infrastructure and also tourism and leisure time.

Landesentwicklungsplan (LEP) Baden-Württemberg 2002

The LEP in Baden-Württemberg sets the boundaries and framework in which the ideas for the

development of the Bundesland Baden-Württemberg are manifested. It is the basic instrument

and guideline which defines the aims and goals and the perspectives in Baden-Württemberg in

the fields of nature and environment, economy, tourism, social/cultural infrastructure, agriculture

and forestry as well as transportation and energy. (More: http://www2.landtag-

bw.de/dokumente/lep-2002.pdf)

Landesentwicklungsprogramm (LEP) Bayern 2006

The LEP is Bavaria’s interdisciplinary concept for the future spatial and sustainable development

and includes regionally significant commitments (goals and principles). It constitutes the basic

instrument for realizing the preservation and creation of homogenous living and working condi-

tions in every region. In the field of tourism it aims at improving the quality of tourist offers. Espe-

cially in touristic regions the interests of tourism should be taken into consideration. Measures

should be undertaken to expand tourism in specific regions such as Nordschwaben, Neuburg and

Schrobenhausen, Oberes Lechtal etc. Furthermore the development of health resorts, agrotour-

ism and nature parks should be promoted. (More:

http://www.stmwivt.bayern.de/landesentwicklung/instrumente/landesentwicklungs-programm/download-

lep-2006/)

Figure shows central locations in the LEP Bayern

With regard to mobility/transportation a main objective is the environmentally sustainable guar-

antee of mobility and communication through traffic infrastructure, means of transport and in-

formation systems. In densely populated areas the traffic conditions should be enhanced. Another

concern is the integration of regional transport networks into supra-regional networks with a

favorable transport connection to central locations. Also the traffic infrastructure in rural areas

should be improved. As an alternative to motor-driven individual transportation, public transport


should be facilitated in tourist and city regions. Other plans include the new construction or ex-

pansion of the rail traffic and the creation of a safe and attractive bicycle infrastructure.

Other tourism plans

Further plans on a more regional level were created by Tourism Board Baden-Württemberg

(“Tourismuskonzept” Baden-Württemberg, See: http://www.mlr.baden-

wuerttemberg.de/mlr/allgemein/Tourismuskonzept.pdf). This concept includes ideas on how to

attract certain groups of tourists, namely families or “Best Ager” and “LOHAS – Lifestyle of Health

and Sustainability” tourists as well as business travelers. It also sets the frame for development

strategies in the various regions of Baden-Württemberg and defines its aims and long-term goals

on how to achieve and build up a more sustainable way of tourism. Included in this concept there

is also the part of mobility resp. public service transport which is described as a “vital part and of

huge importance” for tourism in Baden-Württemberg. Summarizing “Tourismuskonzept” Baden-

Württemberg outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the county as a touristic destination and

tries to abolish the weaker parts with special regard to the infrastructure. This is seen as an im-

portant part to maintain the counties´ competitiveness in the field of tourism, since mobility is the

key element for an innovative and economic tourism sector.

In Bavaria the “Tourismuspolitisches Konzept der Landesregierung“ (2012) is the equivalent of

Baden-Württembergs “Tourismuskonzept”.

(http://www.stmwivt.bayern.de/fileadmin/user_upload/stmwivt/Publikationen/Tourismuspolitisc

hes_Konzept.pdf) This document provides a guideline of how the economic branch of “tourism”

shall develop in Bavaria. It includes a description of the current state of tourism branch and for-

mulates the duties of a political level (Europe, Germany, Bavaria and region). Furthermore it fo-

cuses on the touristic target groups (families, health tourism, etc). Great emphasis is put on the

education and professionalization of people working in the tourism branch – as Bavaria is de-

scribed as a country which tourists visit all year long and not only in the summertime. Bavaria is

the topnotch among the counties in Germany as a touristic favorite with more than 26 million

guests and some 75 million overnight stays. The major aim of the “Ministry of Infrastructure and

Transport” is to keep and strengthen Bavaria’s leading role as a touristic magnet especially

through marketing activities with all its news ways (Internet, Web 2.0). On a lower level regional

marketing agencies provide further strategies and development plans. They are more sophisticat-

ed and apply more to the regional needs and circumstances. They are:

• Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH

• Oberschwaben Tourismus

• Schwäbische Alb Tourismusverband

• Donaubergland Marketing and Tourismus GmbH, etc.

All of them hold ideas and marketing activities which apply only regionally and are not necessarily

interlinked between the regions. Thus an “overall” blueprint is missing which regulates the com-

bining ideas and promotes good examples for both “Tourism” and “Mobility”.

With regard to the Bavarian part of the Danube – further development plans exist which are

mainly conducted and put into action by the regional tourism agencies:


• Tourismusverband Ostbayern (http://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de)

• Bayern Tourismus (http://http://www.bayern.by)

1.2.2 Results of previous projects

1.2.2.1 BodenseEmobil

In November 2012 the project „BodenseEmobl“ started in

Friedrichshafen. It is financially supported by the Federal

Ministry for Transport, Building and City Development

(BVMVBS). Central goal of the project is to improve public

transport services by including electronically driven cars

into that concept. Its objective is to show how in a fairly

rural coined area electro mobility is accepted by the popu-

lation and how it can be integrated into the concept of

public service transport. By means of linking different ways

of mobility and transport (bus, car, train) one hopes to

achieve an even intermodal travel chain which enables

commuters to renounce their cars. The services offered are

interlinked with new ways of information and communication techniques (IKT). Project partners

are: Deutsche Bahn (DB), Deutsche Telekom (T-City), City of Friedrichshafen, DB FuhrparkService

GmbH, Quality & Usability Lab of Technische Universität Berlin, Innovation Center for mobility and

society change, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis, Stadtwerk am

See GmbH & Co.KG as well as HaCon Ingenieursgesellschaft mbH.

(http://www.friedrichshafen.de/unsere-stadt/nachrichten/detail/datum/2013/03/12/offizielle-

uebergabe-des-foerderbescheids-im-verkehrsprojekt-bodenseemobil/)

1.2.2.2 Moovel

Moovel is a pilot project by Daimler AG based on a mobility

platform enabling users to take various ways of getting

from A to B. Users can select the best connection of mobili-

ty options, allowing to use existing services more efficiently

and contributing to improving the traffic situation. Current-

ly the pilot project is only available in Stuttgart and Berlin.

The system works on most modern mobile devices. The

program is available for iPhone and for Android. Moovel

connects transport providers incorporating car-pooling

schemes, local public transport and the car2go car-sharing service and for iPhone users it also

connects with myTaxi. No bike rental is included in the project, yet. The registration for the pro-


ject is free of charge. The network of participating partners in the field of transport is continuously

broadened. (www.moovel.com)


1.3 ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1.3.1 Organizational framework

Nodes Tourism arrivals public transport

Allgemein

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsche Donau Ottheinrichplatz A118 86633 Neuburg an der Donau www.deutsche-donau.de

Deutsche Bahn Auskunft, Verbindungen, Tickets www.bahn.de/p/view/index.shtml

Elektronische Fahrplanauskunft Baden-Württemberg für Bahn und Bus www.efa-bw.de

Elektronische Fahrplanauskunft Bayern für Bahn und Bus www.bahnland-bayern.de

Donau Radwandern von Donaueschingen bis Passau Donau Radwanderführer Passau-Wien Fahrradverleih und -reparatur www.deutsche-donau.de

Tuttlingen

Stadt Tuttlingen Tourismus Rathausstraße 1 78532 Tuttlingen www.tuttlingen.de/de/Kultur+Tourismus/Tourismus

Landkreis Tuttlingen Verkehrsverbund Tuttlingen Bahnhofstr. 100 78532 Tuttlingen www.tuticket.de

Donaubergland Marketing und Tourismus GmbH Tuttlingen Bahnhofstraße 123 78532 Tuttlingen www.donaubergland.de

Naturpark Obere Donau Naturpark Obere Donau e.V. Geschäftsstelle Wolterstraße 16 88631 Beuron www.naturpark-obere-donau.de

Naturparkexpress www.naturpark-obere-donau.de

Sigmaringen

Tourist-Info der Stadt Sigmaringen Schwabstraße 1 72488 Sigmaringen www.sigmaringen.de

Verkehrsbund Neckar-Alb-Donau www.naldo.de

Ulm / Neu-Ulm

Tourist-Info der Städte Ulm und Neu-Ulm Münsterplatz 50 89073 Ulm www.tourismus.ulm.de/tourismus/de/index.php

Verkehrsverbund DING www.ding.eu

Günzburg

Tourist-Information Günzburg / Leipheim Schloßplatz 1 89312 Günzburg www.guenzburg.de

Verkehrsverbund Mittelschwaben www.vvm-online.de


Donauwörth

Städt. Tourist-Information Donauwörth Rathausgasse 1 86609 Donauwörth [email protected] www.donauwoerth.de Verkehrsgemeinschaft DonauRies

www.vdr-bus.de Ferienland Donau-Ries Pflegstraße 2 86609 Donauwörth www.donauwoerth.de

Ingolstadt

Tourist Information Im Altten Rathaus Rathaus Platz 2 85049 Ingolstadt Ingolstädter Verkehrsgesellschaft

www.invg.de Tourist Information am Hauptbahnhof Elisabethenplatz 3 85051 Ingolstadt www.tourismus-ingolstadt.de

Regensburg

Tourist Information Altes Rathaus Rathausplatz 4 93047 Regensburg

Regensburger Verkehrsverbund www.rvv.de

Passau

Tourist Information Passau Rathausplatz 3 oder Bahnhofstraße 28 (Bahnhofsvorplatz) 94032 Passau

Verkehrsgemeinschaft Landkreis Passau www.vlp-passau.de

Ausflugsschifffahrt www.donauschiffahrt.de www.danube-river.org


1.3.2 Legal framework

1.3.2.1 Förderprogramm Elektromobilität“

Objectives Reduce CO2 emissions, support research and development and use of cars with eco-friendly electro-mobility, support of fast increase of elec-tro-cars, strengthening Bavaria as a manufactur-ing base

Funding body/structure/organization Bavarian Ministry of Commerce, Infrastructure, Traffic and Technology (StMWIVZT)

Beneficiaries/target group Enterprises of small and medium size (KMU), enterprises located in Bavaria, extra university research institutions Companies with less than 250 employers or turnover of max. 50. Mio Euro p.a.

Project/measures supported/funded Studies and measure on: Battery technology, Electric drives, software-driven energy manage-ment, safety technology, logistic, infrastructure for energy provision

Services provided Funding – the program offers financial support for personnel, infrastructural, facility and equip-ment with focus on electro mobility

Collection of information sources/links General information: http://www.stmwivt.bayern.de/EFRE/Wettbewerbsfaehigkeit_Beschaeftigung/Foerderbereiche_und_Foerderstellen/prioritaetsachse_5.html Download: http://www.stmwivt.bayern.de/fileadmin/Web-Dateien/Dokumente/technologie/Richtlinien_Elektromobilitaet.pdf

1.3.2.2 Development program of rural areas in Baden-Wuerttemberg “ELR”

Objectives Supporting the rural parts of Baden-Württemberg and to help promote certain activi-ties, sustainability

Funding body/structure/organization L-Bank, is a subsidiary company of Federal State Baden-Württemberg aiming at giving cheap credits to either companies, municipalities and private persons

Beneficiaries/target group Municipalities, companies and private persons

Project/measures supported/funded Cheap credits, interest subsidies, : Transport companies (new busses, refitting of exhausting filters) Hotels, Restaurants, Spas (fewer than 100 em-ployees); interest subsidy

Services provided “ELR” supports companies, private persons or municipalities by means of funding certain pro-grams and thus helping to promote the infra-structure of the state by funding

Collection of information sources/links Information ELR: http://www.l-bank.de/lbank/inhalt/nav/unternehmen/vorhab


enbestehenderunterneh-men/entwicklungsprogrammlaendlicherraumelr.xml?ceid=100191 Information Tourism funding: http://www.l-bank.de/lbank/inhalt/nav/unternehmen/vorhabenbestehenderunterneh-men/tourismusfinanzierung.xml?ceid=100198 Information: Public Transport funding: http://www.l-bank.de/lbank/inhalt/nav/unternehmen/vorhabenbestehenderunterneh-men/nahverkehrsfinanzierung.xml?ceid=100255

1.3.2.3 “LEADER”

Objectives Focus of the EU-funding program „LEADER“ aims at supporting activities and endeavours that aim at strengthening the innovative and economical forces in certain regions and thus to maintain and save jobs on a local level. Furthermore to promote the tourism as one of the major eco-nomical branches.

Funding body/structure/organization Ministry of rural areas and consumer protection, supported by EU funding measures

Beneficiaries/target group Regional societies, associations and clubs that trigger a sustainable development in certain regions

Project/measures supported/funded Regional groups are supported financially by „LEADER“, Projects in field of tourism, nature preservation, founding or development of small businesses

Services provided Help in order to fill in application forms, Financial support

Collection of information sources/links Download: http://www.mlr.baden-wuerttem-berg.de/mlr/presse/LEADER_Aufruf%20.pdf

1.3.2.4 Living Lab BW e-mobil

Objectives Promotion of research in the field of alternative means of sustainable drives and electro mobility measures 100 partners from economy, science and munici-palities do research in electro mobility. Various projects concentrate on region of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. Aim: Until 2015 approx. 2000 electron-ic cars and other electric vehicles are to be brought to the streets and installation of 1000 charge stations Intermodal traffic and tourism are further project highlights

Funding body/structure/organization Coordination of federal agency for electro mobili-ty and fuel cell drive e-mobil BW GmbH and De-


partment of trade and industry Region of Stuttgart GmbH

Beneficiaries/target group Municipalities of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, 40 project are being funded

Project/measures supported/funded Examples: Stuttgart Services, e-Flinkster und e-Call-a-Bike, HyLine-S, RheinMobil,etc.(see: http://www.e-mo-bilbw.de/Resources/LivingLab_Projektuebersicht_130312.pdf)

Services provided Funding, Promotion, Public relations.

Collection of information sources/links Information: http://www.e-mobilbw.de/Pages/arbeitsfelder/livinglab-bwe-mobil.php http://livinglab-bwe.de


2 SWOT-ANALYSIS

2.1 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND TOURISM STRUCTURE

Transportation

Positive Negative

Internal characteristics

Good connections to type A node Munich and Stuttgart (especially by train); Good public transport coverage in the region (train, buses, micro public transport systems); Frequent connections along main regional routes; Innovation; Strong need for the mobility; Extensive bicycle path network with good signage and service facilities; Possibility of bicycle transportation in most of the local and regional trains; Multilingual information portals available including public transport and bicycle traffic; Use of renewable energies sources; Regional political support and commit-ment; Improving the public and tourist infra-structure; Clean and efficient public transport sys-tem with international reputation; Metropolitan area has good international transport links for passengers and cargo;

Will need an expansion of electricity production; High initial investment for building new rail system; In order to work effectively high speed rail must be backed up by a decent urban/light rail transit system; Noise can be a concern; Importance of mobility in tourism and awareness of its significance should be increased; Population growth leading to in-creased congestion and vehicle emis-sions; Underinvestment in public transport; Intensified urban structure would make public transport provision easier to provide; Rush hour congestion in suburbs;

External characteristics

Improvement of public and tourist infra-structure; Development of theme routs according to sustainable criteria (train, buses, public transportation); Great international position;

Mostly financial issues; Limited founding; Common strategy; No internet system about all of the offers (more should be in English);


One of the best transportation node in Europe; New technologies; Opportunity to be a worldwide leader in the implementation of sustainable public transport;

Tourism

Positive Negative

Internal characteristics

Renowned festivals, cultural activities, e.g. Internationales Donaufest Ulm/Neu-Ulm Rich and varied natural, historical and cultural resources with European and world importance; Recognition of tourists’ mobility; Significant native expert capacity in the sphere of mobility in tourism Progress in building up the media image of the soft mobility in tourism in Germany; Initiatives in the hands of the private sec-tors; Increase in the number of tour operators offering specialized tourism services and products; Growth in providing accommodation in guest houses and small family hotels; Traditional and modern German hospitali-ty, delicious and gourmet cuisine; Introduction of specialized publications for the new professions in tourism; Interest in publishing of modern bilingual maps (including GPS points); Presence of the country in publishing plans of all significant international guide-books; Health tourism; theme routes; Policy makers have begun to advocate sustainable destination planning for tour-ism;

Only Munich is an international city in our focus area; Lack of national strategy for mobility in tourism and quality certification of tourism products; Insufficiency of financial resources promoting alternative forms of tour-ism; E-marketing should be also run in English – there is a lot of internet por-tals that are only available in German language; Construction of buildings on the river-side and in close proximity to natural parks, which endanger the ecological balance and decrease the aesthetic value of natural landscapes;


Cultural and historical heritage in very good condition; lots of innovative inter-pretation and inclusion in the tourism product; Distinctive waste management; Distinctive e-marketing;

External characteristics

Germany itself: safest country to travel worldwide 5

th most visited country in EU

7th

travel destination worldwide; Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg – the two most frequently visited states in Ger-many; More than 30% of Germans spend their holidays in their own country; Prices and packages attracting marginal groups of tourists and creating a good image; Developing of legal framework with ac-cent on specialized tourism (e.g. adven-ture, eco, rural); Improving the public and tourist infra-structure; Accenting on quality of the services; Informing about the alternative forms of tourism and increasing the tourist culture; Decrease the access barriers to finance resource for the small and medium busi-nesses in tourism;

Better efficiency in use of the resources of the parks and raising its protection as a priority;

Development of theme routes according to sustainable criteria;

Leading in quality oriented standards in the categorization of guest houses and rooms , family hotels, chalets, camping sites;

Development and boosting of new na-tional networks for accommodation in

National structures without concern for the development of alternative tourism; More interest to go and see big cities than Danube itself; Withdrawal of tourists in result of uncontrolled and overbuilding; Disappearing of the traditional crafts and abilities; Decreasing the aesthetic values of landscapes;

Overuse of specific tourist sites can lead to decrease in value of local re-sources; Actors continue to not work together and not to take common tourism brand strategy under consideration; Importance of mobility in tourism and awareness of its significance should be increased; Visas and other documents needed during travels (Non EU-Citizens); High prices for eastern Europe;


guest houses; Marketing – well known worldwide;

2.2 DEVELOPMENT PLANS & RESULTS OF PREVIOUS PROJECTS

Positive Negative

Internal Character-

istics

Good and concise analysis of regional needs for development plans; Certain measures are coherently devel-oped and partly implemented; Good impulses in previous projects; Innovative solutions could be found and further developed; Mobility nodes are well identified and at least partly well connected; Needs of local and regional population, economy and tourism are well observed and respected; Focus on cross-border partnership is in-creasing; Need for sustainability is well observed (Nature protection and economic needs);

Diversification of various initiatives and plans; Only few plans and initiatives stimu-late tourists to use public transporta-tion; Public relations can be intensified; Transnational planning has to be im-proved; Initiatives for linking different transport systems can be enhanced; Ideas and goals are not explained well enough;

External character-

istics

Awareness for cooperation on a transna-tional level is rising; Strategic alliances as options to connect mobility and transport nodes; Financial support is secured for cross-border projects and initiatives;

Monetary help for funding options to keep plans and programs running also in the future; Underinvestment in public transport systems;


2.3 ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK & FUNDING OP-

TIONS

Positive Negative

Internal Character-

istics

Strong organizational structures to pro-mote public transport

Strong network to promote ideas

Wide range of services and support op-tions are offered

Many beneficiary groups can earn from funding options

Innovative boost for certain regions

Regional issues are strengthened

No clearly defined responsibility for the combination of sustainable transport and tourism

Data availability is problematic

Problematic cross-border exchange

Some funding programs are only tem-porary

External character-

istics

New ideas can be promoted

Innovation and region-wide support

Growth in public awareness

No overview on similar funding plans (eye is kept on regional issues)

No coherency/exchange between pro-grams (learning from mistakes!)

Communication and dissemination might be problematic


3 GOOD PRACTICE

3.1 SOFT MOBILITY OFFERS AND PACKAGES

3.1.1 Bayerwald-Ticket und GUTi

Description

General project de-

scription

The Bayerwald-Ticket (lit: Bavarian Forest ticket) is a special, low-cost, local tick-et for the local train and bus network. It was introduced in 2001 in order to make it easier to use the various transport methods. The bus and train network range over the counties (Landkreise) of Regen and Freyung-Grafenau in the Bavarian Forest in southeast Germany. Until 2003 it was only valid between May and October; from 2004 it has been valid all-year round.

It made it possible to take any number of bus and train journeys on the same day, using a network stretching over 1,100 kilometres. Buses and trains can be combined in any way using a one day ticket, regardless how often one gets on, changes or breaks the journey.

The Bayerwald-Ticket currently costs €7 per day (as at 2008) and covers the railway and bus lines within the aforementioned counties as well as the Re-gentalbahn railway between Bad Kötzting and Lam in Landkreis Cham. In addi-tion to the normal ticket supplementary fares for the journey to the cities of Passau, Deggendorf and Plattling are offered. They cost 7€. The network is actu-ally provided by 6 different transport companies.

Since the Regentalbahn has extended its operations via Bayerisch Eisenstein station on several of its services to the Czech town of Špičák and the Regionalbus Ostbayern (RBO) introduced an express bus from Železná Ruda to Passau, the ticket has been extended to cover these routes in the Czech Republic as well. In May 2010 a new transport system started. It allows overnight guests to use public transport in the Bayerwald-Ticket area free of charge. The system is regis-tered under the brand name “GUTi”. “GUTi” stands for Gästeservice Umwelt-Ticket (Guest Service Environmental Ticket) and provides guests with free travel on buses and trains within the Bayerwald-Ticket tariff area. „GUTi“ also means sweet or treat in Bavarian dialect. For guests, the guest card with the GUTi logo is a real treat. The GUTi Guest card is a free transport ticket for the holiday re-gion of the Bavarian Forest National Park and Natural Park. It has an equivalent value of €7 per day (the cost of a Bayerwald-Ticket).

In the National Park region, there is a combination of leisure and regular traffic. The increased demand from tourism and leisure should secure and improve the existing range of journeys.

In the 15 participating towns and villages, the usual tourist card has now been enhanced to become a transport ticket. To finance these free tourist trips, every town and village pays €0.31 per overnight stay for transport services. Holiday guests get the GUTi-Guest Card without additional payment directly to the registration of their establishment.

www.bayerwaldticket.com, www.guti.by

Initiator & stakehold- Projektstelle „Nationalparkverkehrskonzept“ der Landkreise Regen und Freyung-Grafenau; 6 transport companies: DB Regio AG, RBO (Regionalbus Ostbayern),


ers Regentalbahn (die Länderbahn), Ilztalbahn, Fa. Lambürger und Fa. Wenzl; 15 towns and villages, about 1,500 accomodation providers; Freistaat Bayern, Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastrukur, Verkehr und Technologie

Project bases

In order to enable the use of various transport systems to be simpler and more comfortable, the transport companies introduced the bayerwald-ticket as a standard day ticket for buses and trains. In additional to this the counties estab-lish a special office to coordinate the project. Bayerwald-Ticket and GUTi are important to reduce the region from individual motor car traffic. This is especial-ly important in a natural area like the national park region. With GUTi the tour-ism region gets an important unique selling point.

Finances of the of

project

To finance the GUTi-Ticket: 31 cents from each overnight stay in a participating town or village. Out of the total, 30 cents is passed to the transport companies as an agreed contribution for travel and they distribute this internally according to their costs. 1 Cent is kept by the liaison office.

Accompanying

measures

Very popular way of travel for the citizens of the Bayern. ,

Success factors &

Challenges

Simple and comfortable, big accessibility, cheap prices,

• GUTi provides an important contribution to the acquisition of regu-lar guests, and is relevant to booking.

• Public transport is now more in use as a means to experience the region, especially in bad weather.

• The utilised capacity of all Transport has increased by an average of 50%. During certain times it has more than doubled

• The higher usage helps conserve and improve public transport in ru-ral areas, which is an important factor to local development.

• It has raised awareness and acceptance for public transport.

• Absolute satisfaction of the communities concerning the introduc-tion of GUTi.

• Strengthened cooperation and team spirit of the communities.

• Guests are more active, contributing to the creation of value in the region.


3.1.2 KONUS Ticket

Description

General project de-scription

The expression “KONUS” is reminiscent of the universal key that train conductors once used for opening buses and railway cars. In the 11,100 square kilometres holiday region in the south-west, the expression stands for the free use of public transport services for Black Forest visitors. The only exceptions are the non-participating local city transports of Karlsruhe and Pforzheim. However, the KONUS Guest Card is valid on the routes of the Enztalbahn and Nagoldtalbahn to the central station in Pforzheim. The Enztal-bahn passes through the Enztal Valley, while the Nagoldtalban navigates the Nagoldtal Valley. Currently KONUS card includes 139 resorts in Black Forest. Hosts are printing for their guests free ride ticket for buses and trains so they have accessibility to all destinations in one hand. KONUS is a free transport service, which is unique in size and effect. KONUS allows the free use of public transport for region ‘Black Forest’. http://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/Service/konus

Initiator & stakeholders

Initiator: Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH (Black Forest Tourism) Deutsche Bahn Stakeholders: TGO - Tarifverbund Ortenau GmbH Verkehrsverbund Rottweil GmbH Regio-Verkehrsverbund Freiburg GmbH Verkehrsverbund Schwarzwald-Baar GmbH Regio Verkehrsverbund Lörrach GmbH Waldshuter Tarifverbund GmbH Verkehrsgemeinschaft Landkreis Freudenstadt GmbH Karlsruher Verkehrsverbund GmbH Verkehrsgesellschaft Bäderkreis Calw mbH

Project bases No information provided

Finances of the of project

Black Forest Region, Baden-Württemberg, Public Societies, Tourists

Accompanying measures

Website, Deutsche Bahn

Success factors & Challenges

Black Forest is one of the most visited regions in Europe – people need a good access and mobility


3.1.3 metropolradruhr

Description


In June 2010 metropolradruhr started as the biggest bike sharing system in Ger-many. Up to 3000 bikes are available to rent in ten cities of the Ruhr. It's possible to rent a bike around the clock at the hotline 030 69205046, www.metropolradruhr.de, or at most tourist informations. Cities: Bochum, Bottrop, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Hamm, Herne, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Oberhausen; How it works

Bikes are available around the clock at many locations. Simply call the hotline printed on the bike to receive its unlock code. Open the lock and have a nice trip. To return a bike call again and explain where you left the bike. Rental

To rent a bike just call the hotline +49 30 69205046 A computer voice asks you for the number of the bike you want to rent. After entering the number into your mobile phone you get the code to open the lock. Please be mindful of having the calling-number-transmission activated. In some mobile phones this is called "Send my caller ID". Return

The bikes should be returned to an official location. Block one wheel with the lock and shift the numbers. After that call the hotline again and tell us the return location if necessary. If you are asked for a station number, you can enter the number printed on the station sign. Official locations

The bike sharing system offers one-way bike rentals. That means that bikes can be returned to all official locations and areas. If the bike is returned to non-official locations or areas additional 2 € per kilometre will be charged but at least 10 €. Price

Thanks to its combination of an as easy as flexible rental-process and the in-volvement of ad-partners the prices are very attractive. They vary between the different cities. The rental fare: 1 € per hour and from 5 € per 24 hours Please notice the prices on the bike. Registration

Before you can use the bike rental system your personal information will be registered once. On following rentals our system will identify you via your phone number. After your registration you can use the system in all cities and coun-tries. You can rent up to four bikes with one customer account. Payment

You can pay by credit card or by direct debit. When you choose credit card you can use the bike sharing system immediately. The payment by direct debit will take up to three days. For the examination of your bank information you have to transfer 1 €. This amount will be credited directly to your member account. http://www.metropolradruhr.de/


Baden-Württemberg, Regionalverband Ruhr, VRR,

Project bases The need for bikes mobility


None information provided


Costs, the biggest bike-sharing system in Germany;


Low prices, accessibility;


3.1.4 Fahrtziel Natur

Description


Fahrtziel Natur (Destination Nature) was established in 2001 as a joint effort by Deutsche Bahn (German Railway) and the environmentally focused associations BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) , NABU (NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY CON-SERVATION UNION) and VCD (an association for sustainable mobility) in order to enhance and systematize already existing cooperations. The overarching goal is to present attractive protected nature destinations that can be reached easily by public transportation and improve their image while also increasing economic benefits for the partner destinations. The idea is to provide an attractive travel option with an overall moderate ecological footprint. In 2008, the focus on ac-cessibility by public transport in each participating locality was further empha-sized. In 2009, an award was introduced to highlight destinations especially committed to the ideals of the initiative, combining a nature-oriented tourism offer with sustainable transportation concepts. This award is linked to a package of free incentives providing better exposure to the market. The initiative is open-end and poised to grow; already destinations in Austria and Switzerland are included in the initiative and possibilities of transferring this model of networking and cooperation from Germany to these two neighboring countries, involving their respective rail networks, are currently being explored. Target groups are mainly nature lovers, environmentally minded people, and people looking for short-haul trips mostly within Germany. Web: http://www.fahrtziel-natur.de

Initiator & stakehold-ers

Initiators are the four mentioned partners: Deutsche Bahn, BUND, NABU and VCD. Partners are the participating destinations which, depending on local realities, further involve protected areas, local tourism authorities, municipalities and local organizations providing public transport. Locally, these are articulated in a steering group that coordinates with Destination Nature on the national level.

Project bases

The initiative was based on the understanding of an increasing demand for sus-tainable travel towards short-haul destinations within Germany or in neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland and the desire to develop an integral, easily bookable and enjoyable tourism offer that responds to that trend. No specific feasibility study was undertaken, however widely available market stud-ies in Germany reflecting this trend were taking into consideration.

Finances of the project

All four initiating parties regularly contribute funds to the initiative, which has a coordinating office in Frankfurt. Funds are mainly used for marketing, public relations, the award and events. Each new destination has to contribute €25,000 once, in the first year of participation. Thus, costs are shouldered by all involved stakeholders


Each destination has a steering group to ensure that corresponds with the over-all vision of the Destination Nature initiative. In some cases the local leadership has been strengthened, leading to improved cohesion and coordination among local tourism stakeholders. Cooperation and exchange of information among participating destinations has also been improving. One important role of the local steering group is to ensure that public transportation in and around the destination is in sync with train transportation provided by Deutsche Bahn. A number of cooperations have been established with the private sector, such as with tour operators, publishers and store chains. The tour operator Ameropa is an affiliate of Deutsche Bahn while BUND Reisen pertains to the association BUND. Both play an important role in bringing the product to the market, ensur-ing its viability and economic success.


Although many of the benefits of the initiative, such as increased cooperation, are extremely valuable but cannot be measured directly, a monitoring of arrivals does also take place and reveals a positive trend for participating destinations.


• All initiating parties, independent of size, cooperate “on eye level”

• Constructive environment in steering group

• All parties are known on a national level, providing credibility

• All participating tourism offers comply with minimum criteria in terms of natural attractiveness, conservation policies, accessibility and man-agement; and are easily bookable.

• All destinations offer very attractive conditions for local transportation, such as free transport, discounts or fixed, reasonable fares

• Tourism offers are environmentally sound, credible. The main challenge is the constant evolution of the project, requiring intense coordination efforts with limited human resources. This however is merely a reflection of the overall positive development of the initiative.


3.1.5 BayernTour Natur

Description

General project de-

scription

The BayernTour Natur is a joint action by the federal state, associations, institu-tions for environmental training, municipalities and individuals under the lead of the Bavarian Ministry for Environment and Health. It was started in 2001 and it aims at all people interested in getting to know the fauna and flora of Bavaria by foot, bike, horse or boat. The tours are prepared by nature experts and are part-ly free of charge. On the website www.bayertour.natur.de as well as in the brochure BayernTour Natur one can find a variety of tour offers for each age group, preferences and physical fitness aiming at providing a better understanding and experience of nature and its unique landscapes, fascinating animals and plants and natural monuments. The offer grows continuously and in 2012 more than 6.000 tours designed by 1.000 organisers were available. Over 75.000 participated in those tours and this makes BayernTour Natur Germany’s biggest environmental training initiative. Each offer is labeled with different pictograms indicating if the tour is e.g. suited for children, if it is a boat or bike tour, if special hiking shoes are needed, if it is suited for blind or handicapped people. Further on, the pictogram shows if the starting point of the tour can be reached by public transport and if a fee is re-quired. The programme is also available as a free App

Initiator &

stakeholders

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Gesundheit Over 1.000 tour organisers

Project bases Providing a wide range of different nature tours, organised by nature experts to give local citizens, visitors, tourists the opportunity to experience Bavaria’s na-ture and increase their environmental awareness for fauna and flora and the interaction between them.

Finances of the of

project

Organisers of the tours work mostly on a volunteer basis, some tours are with costs

Accompanying

measures

BayernTour Natur has developed to be a strong umbrella trade mark for envi-ronmental education in Bavaria, it is growing continuously, most important envi-ronmental education initiative in Germany

Success factors &

Challenges

Big variety of different nature experience offers led by local nature experts and mostly free of charge. Strong partnership and cooperation between state and municipality level, associations and volunteers.


3.2 TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM INFORMATION SYSTEMS

3.2.1 ITOUR

Description


An iTour is an internet-enabled tour of a build, campus, region or city. Typical iTours include multimedia presentations such as interactive maps, streaming video of selected sites, immersive 360 degree panoramic photographs, audio podcast, photographs, and other media. iTours may be accompanied by photographs, maps, or other written materials which can also be downloaded to aid the user. There are presently iTours availa-ble in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brussels, Belgium, Germany, Glasgow, Scotland, Savannah, Georgia, New York, New York, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, San Fran-cisco, California, and other tourist destinations. It is believed that the iTour of Glasgow may have been the first such tour that was widely available, although audio tours on cassette tape players (and more recently CD-based tours) have been in existence since the advent of portable audio players in the 1970s. How-ever, neither of these formats could be downloaded by the user at home before arriving at the site to be toured. www.itour.de


No information provided

Project bases Idea that bring touristic offers together


No information provided


iTours typically use mp3 technology. A user, usually a tourist, visits a website on the Internet and downloads an audio tour of an area the tourist is interested in. This audio tour is loaded onto a portable electronic device, such as a digital audio player, a cell phone, or other portable electronic device. The user then listens to the audio tour while walking or driving through the area being described on the audio tour. The audio tour may also be accompanied by a downloadable map or other written explanation going with the audio tour. The iTour media permits the user to skip ahead to other tracks if not interested in the present subject being described, or to listen to a supplementary track providing further information about the subject being described.


SUCCESS:

GPS devices are made available & content can be rented & put in your own GPS device (Garmin nuvi line currently, 350 & above, with routed tours available on the 700 & above series).Geovative Solutions provides a web application--GeoTours--that allows people to create, share, download and experience GPS-enabled I-Tours which present audio, images, and text that are triggered by the user's location. These tours run on Garmin and TomTom devices, smartphones, PDAs, iPods, MP3 players, and other devices.


3.2.2 Deutsche Donau

Description


A portal which gives tourists important information on the German part of the Danube. It started 2010. The initializing costs: 7000 Euro. The portal aims to give an overview of touristic offers along the Danube with regard to users’ needs. The executive board consist of majors from the cities of Neuburg a.D., Ehingen, Scheer and Rain www.deutsche-donau.de


ARGE Deutsche Donau

Project bases No information provided


Costs to install webpage (approx. 7000 Euro)


- Cooperation with external organizations (Danube Competence Center, Belgrade; DZT German Center for Tourism)

- Further Danube countries (yet unknown which) will cooperate with por-tal to promote activities

- More pictures and press information will be included to the portal in fu-ture

- Marketing measures will be strengthened


- Unique and appealing content - Interactive map - Events that reach far beyond regional borders - Obtaining of data from various sources to get content for webpage was

biggest obstacle to overcome - No competitors in that field of tourism marketing, yet - Information on sustainable transport systems available (bike, ship)


3.2.3 Drei Löwen Takt

Description


Founded in 1999 the “3 Löwen Takt” is a project aiming at convincing commuters to use more and more public transport systems in Baden-Wuerttemberg. It is a subsidiary of the Federal state of Baden-Württembergs “NVBW – Nahverkehrsgesellschaft”. With the use of modern services such as a Apps for smart phones, route planners for bicycle drivers, a timetable which can be per-sonalized with preferences regarding places where to start and end a journey, it offers various ways to reach the destination by depicting the different ways how to get there (walk, bus, train, etc.). The project offers an overview of different transport and mobility systems and is continuously expanding its services. The use of alternative mobility measures (bike and car) tries to combine the two and thus closing a gap in the public transport system at certain nodes. Exemplary project are currently conducted. Furthermore “3 Löwen Takt” offers leisure time activities which are worth visiting by means of a special search mask. Another focus is put on the linking of different transport systems in Baden-Wuerttemberg by coordinating local and regional offers of public transport services into a statewide concept. www.efa-bw.de


State of Baden-Württemberg, resp. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure

Project bases

In 1995 the federal states were appointed with the responsibilities of regional transport Implementation of information from buses and trains in regional transport sys-tems, car-sharing Simplified access to public transport systems


State of Baden-Württemberg, resp. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure The annual costs are subject of negotiation between NVBW and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure


Activities are promoted all over Baden-Württemberg, no international coopera-tions because of regional focus But: electronic information of schedules and timetable are crossborder available for Switzerland and France; Inclusion in EU-Project “Spirit” Pedagogic approach to make people aware of the topics of soft mobility, safety and make it more apperceptive Expansion of offers in public transport Very popular system in Baden-Württemberg, cheap prices, this project offers an

overview of different transport and mobility systems and is continuously expand-

ing its services. Using new technologies.


Research prove that car as a status symbol is rapidly declining in younger genera-tions view. People travel more multimodal The fact that this project is acting statewide is not known to all parts of the population, marketing and public relations still necessary Many regional transport associations exist, challenge to show that efa-bw is the central one which unites all information in Baden-Württembergs public transport sector Not only information on DB (Deutsche Bahn) is available, also from competitors Success factor: huge amount of information of which travelers can choose; and interconnectivity of information


3.3 STRATEGIES AND PLANS

Grüner Süden

Description


Green South (Grüner Süden) is a concept and a brand that articulates environ-mentally friendly, climate friendly and particularly sustainable tourism products in the region of Baden-Württemberg. The initiative started in 2011 and was ini-tially presented on the website of tourism BW in 2012. A first catalog “Green South” was published on the occasion of the 2012 CMT fair in Stuttgart; in 2013 an updated version was presented in that same event. In line with current mar-keting market tendencies indicating that the demand for sustainable tourism is on the rise, the main target groups are nature lovers in the broadest sense, in-cluding families and people from the region itself as well as other regions in Germany and neighboring countries; but also people with an interest in sustain-ability issues on a more abstract level, not necessarily involving nature. Many participating tourism offers include a component of sustainable mobility (elec-tromobility, CO2-neutral mobility, free public transportation for guests in certain destinations) , but sustainability with this initiative also refers to protected areas, hotels operating in an environmentally friendly way, use of regional products in gastronomy, low energy housing and so on, thus covering many facets of a green product. Many sites also cover educational aspects, creating awareness regarding environmental issues among visitors, especially the protected areas that are part of the initiative. Cities are also a part, demonstrating concepts of sustainable urban planning.

Baden-Württemberg tourism unilaterally decided to create and promote a corre-sponding network of services under a sub-brand and then approached regional sub destinations to see if they are interested in participating. This approach is aligned with the overall marketing strategy pursued by Tourism Baden Würt-temberg. There are four main thematic areas being promoted currently: Nature, Culture, Wine & Dine and Well Being, and Green South is part of the Nature theme. Baden Württemberg is one of the first regions in Germany to actively position itself as a sustainable destination. Green South is a name that was cho-sen to reflect the southern location of Baden Württemberg within Germany as well as its commitment to sustainability, thus underlining its claim and creating a clear positioning. There is no time frame limiting this initiative. Although Tour-ism Baden-Württemberg clearly defines the guidelines of this cooperation, con-sultations with members do exist to take into account their suggestions. http://www.tourismus-bw.de/Natur-Erlebnis-Baden-Wuerttemberg/Nachhaltiger-Urlaub

Initiator & stakehold-ers

Sole initiator was Tourism Baden-Württemberg. The organization approached subregional destinations in order to create the network. Before being accepted, participants are being reviewed for their commitment to sustainability, but given the diversity of offers, no fixed evaluation scheme exists. For example, in the case of Biosphere –related hotels, all have the EMAS certification but for other types of members this is not applicable.

Project bases The project is aligned with the overall marketing strategy of Tourism Baden-Württemberg and was specifically developed to offer a product line of sustaina-ble tourism offers, within the Nature thematic focus.


The project is financed by Tourism Baden-Württemberg. For marketing activities, Tourism Baden-Württemberg offers cooperative mar-keting mechanisms that Green South members can make use of. Marketing packages can be booked at a cost ranging from 250 EUR to 1200 EUR, which covers participation in promotional materials in different degrees. Base for par-


ticipation is the availability of a bookable product involving an overnight stay.


The Ministry for Rural Space and Consumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg provides funds for innovative electromobility projects. Although these are not directly related to Green South, these possibilities are communicated to mem-bers and many participating members apply for funds as part of their efforts to be a green destination. As Tourism Baden-Württemberg does continuous press monitoring, it has also been able to verify an increasing coverage of the Green South initiative in the media.


An important success factor is representativeness across the region. Participants reflect all parts of Baden-Württemberg, not just stronger destinations such as the Black Forest. This implies that there is a critical mass of providers which helps to strengthen the claim that the entire region is a “Green South”. Additionally, the articulation of so many and so varied sustainability initiatives under one roof is quite innovative and unique in the context of Germany. Great care has been taken to ensure that all participants really have something substantial to offer in terms of sustainability, in order to make the concept / brand fully credible. The initiative has also fostered the exchange of experiences and best practices among participants, facilitating cooperation within Baden-Württemberg´s tour-ism industry. At the same time, this articulation has been a challenge given that the maturity of tourism products varies across the region. Likewise, the recognition of the different members is not the same in the marketplace although Green South does help to put all members on the tourism map in a unified manner.


4 THE REGIONAL STATE OF THE ART - FACTORS FOR

SUCCESS

4.1 SOFT MOBILITY OFFERS AND PACKAGES

Factors for success

Organization/Operator

o Private together with public – good cooperation e.g. at participating lo-

cations guest Guti card will be more than free ticket for unlimited travel

by bus and train in Bayerwald

o involvement of other stakeholders – tourism businesses, private com-

panies, public organizations – good cooperation between stakeholders

o Most of the tickets are valid all-year round

o In all indicated examples there is a very good cooperation between pub-

lic and privet sectors and also a great recognition of inhabitants and

tourists

Funding of services and packages

o Permanent and sustainable funding can be achieved by the common

recognition of the need to protect environment – in Germany it is al-

ready happening – Public sectors providing inhabitants with the sus-

tainable mobility products – Citizens and tourists using them on a daily

basis

o Funding schemes should be designed free to use, low cost, accessible

for all – tourists and inhabitants - project

Demand

o Very popular way of travelling for the citizens of the Baden-

Württemberg State, as well as for the tourists

o Matching of the two targets group – tourists and inhabitants

o Catchment: Bayern-Württemberg State, Natural heritage places, Black

Forest, main cities etc.

o Access for tourists and inhabitants

Operational characteristics

o All the projects linking the most visited and popular tourists destina-

tions and not very well-known but valuable destinations

o Most of services are available the whole year, the biggest problem is,

that many of the services are available only in German language – that

has to be changed in the matter of winning the other target groups

o There is a good linkage between other services, but it could be better of

course. The fact is, that in Germany there is a lot of existing services

(incl. bikes services, rail, buses, hosteling, wellness, sports, events etc.),

but there is no existing map or a portal that is linking all of them. It

should me more structurized. Should be shown from point to point i.g.

Starting with a bike from point A – switching to the train at point B – ho-

tel at point C etc. and with the tourists attractions shown on the way

o criteria for used vehicles – bikes, rail, bus – privet cars less as possible


o standards on quality and comfort – many services are provided by

Deutsche Bahn, where quality and accessibility is serve by one of the

best transportation and logistic’s company in Europe

o With the use of modern services such as a Apps for smart phones, route

planners for bicycle drivers, a timetable which can be personalized with

preferences regarding places where to start and end a journey, it offers

various ways to reach the destination by depicting the different ways

how to get there (walk, bus, train, etc.).

Characteristics of packages

o The Guti-Guest Card without additional payment directly to the regis-

tration of your establishment

o E.g. Currently KONUS card includes 139 resorts in Black Forest. Hosts

are printing their guests free ride ticket for buses and trains so they

have accessibility to all destinations in one hand.

o Mostly mix of attractions, transportation (sustainable) services etc.

o Prices can be choosing from all levels – from students comfort till luxury


o marketing measures – Bayern and Baden-Württemberg the most visited

regions in Germany – good accessibility to best attractions, you can get

almost everywhere using only the public transportation

o continuous monitoring – there is continuous monitoring, especially

around the regions that are the most visited. Very good stakeholder in

this area plays Deutsche Bahn with its services


4.2 TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Factors for success

Organization/Operator

o Close cooperation of either transport- and tourism offers

o Knowledge exchange between tourism and transport sector to match

people’s needs and to be able to develop new tools/ways to improve

offers

Funding of services and packages

o Inclusion of many (local) stakeholders, sponsors, organizations

o Obtain funds from sponsoring programs (state, private)

o Avoid high costs to be profitable from start on

Demand

o Match the needs of tourists and commuters to be of valuable use (e.g.

bike transportation, car-sharing at train stations etc.)

o Think of solutions from target groups point of view

o Service has to be constantly checked, analysis is essential

o Frictionless connections in transport systems

Operational characteristics

o Concise mobility needs have to satisfactory in regions to be attractive

for people

o Linkage between services

o Hotel booking possible? Sustainable transport systems (Car-, Bike-

sharing) bookable?

o User experiences have to be regarded

o Operating times (information) have to match the demands of tourist

and commuters/tourists

o Implementation of information areas in wider regions

o Mobile devices have to be further developed


o More effective marketing measures

o Coverage of activities

o Public relations have to be strengthened


4.3 SUCCESS FACTORS FOR STRATEGIES AND PLANS

Factors for success

o Marketing

strategies

o Executing institution and target groups - Baden-Württemberg State,

Deutsche-Bahn. Projects are mostly initiated by the majors and chair-

man of the local governments as well as the tourism associations. But

one of the most important stakeholders is population and tourists itself

o Close cooperation of stakeholders

o One project linking all the offers e.g. Grüner Süden

o Promotion of healthy life – not only promoting soft mobility by buses

and trains but bikes and hiking as well

o Promotion activities of all stakeholders

o E.g. project ‘Grüner Süden’ is connecting the most beautiful places in

the region

o Smooth and easy to find transportation – by almost all the projects

o Promotion in several languages – but still should be more accessibility

in English

o Attractions for youth, families, adults etc. Everyone can find an inter-

esting way to have fun on their vacation

o Efficiency

o Long-distance and local networks are co-ordinated to ensure quick,

easy connections.

o Deutsche Bahn has a wide range of tailor-made services for visitors

traveling to, or within, Germany by rail

o Tourists have many offers that they can to make their journey

o Fast and easy access

o Promoting healthy life

o Special offers for families

o Travel packages

o Overall strate-

gies

o It includes mobility, hostelling, transportation, tourists, theme trips,

learning more about the local and German traditions itself

o Cooperation and interaction of stakeholders

o When we are considering the marketing strategies we have to take the

whole German marketing strategy under consideration.

o Other strate-

gies

o There is a wide range of places to stay. From five-star hotels and spa

resorts to farm stays (Urlaub auf dem Bauernhof) or campsites, there is

somewhere for all budgets and tastes.

o Access to tourists Information Centers Opening times

Tourist information centers are open during normal business hours,

usually 10am - 4pm, sometimes longer in major centers.

Shops are generally open from 9 or 10am to 6 or 8pm. Most shops in

town and city centers do not close for lunch. Shops are closed on Sun-


days, although bakeries may open in the morning and cafés/cake shops

may open in the afternoon.

o In the center of the international transportation nodes: Stuttgart Air-

port welcomes direct flights from countries around the world. The air-

port is only 8 miles (13 km) from the city center. The S2 and S3 urban

train lines provide a fast, direct connection to the main railway station

in just 27 minutes. The airport is just off the A8 Karlsruhe–Munich Au-

tobahn (highway). Further information on www.stuttgart-airport.com

o Two additional airports, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport

(www.badenairpark.de) and Friedrichshafen Airport (www.fly-

away.de), have flights to and from European cities.

o Further convenient international gateways

o From the North: Frankfurt International Airport (120 miles / 200 km

from Stuttgart)

o From the East: Munich Airport (150 miles / 240 km from Stuttgart)

o From the South: EuroAirport Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg (160 miles /

260 km from Stuttgart), Zurich Airport, Switzerland (135 miles / 220 km

from Stuttgart)


5 ANNEX

5.1 LIST OF REFERENCES

5.2 ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

regional status-quo / state of the art / good practise ...€¦ · transdanube | regional...

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