In Berlin, many tourists are mainly in Mitte and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.
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Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, is convinced that too many tourists still know too little about Berlin. It's not just visitors from abroad who often don't make it to outlying districts such as Spandau or Treptow-Köpenick.
The economic administration therefore wants to further promote tourism away from the hotspots. "Berlin is not just the Brandenburg Gate and Berghain, Berlin is so much more," said the SPD politician after the Senate's most recent meeting.
Giffey pointed out the importance of tourism for Berlin's economy. The statistics for 2024 recorded around 12.7 million visitors. For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, overnight stays had exceeded the 30 million mark again, said Giffey. "We are fully back on track." However, the peak value of around 34 million in 2019 has not yet been reached again.
"Anyone coming to Berlin for the first time wants to go to the Brandenburg Gate, and young people want to go clubbing," said Giffey. In her view, the districts beyond Ku'damm and Museum Island still offer potential for second and third-time visitors in particular. Tourism projects there should therefore be specifically promoted.
Last year, 1.8 million euros were available for this purpose and 1.5 million were actually used for 60 corresponding measures in all twelve Berlin districts. For this year, there is again funding amounting to 1.8 million euros, 500,000 of which has already been applied for. The budget of 350,000 euros for cross-district tourism projects has been cut.
In 2024, for example, cultural events such as the Fête de la Musique in Tempelhof-Schöneberg, the "Food & Culture Festival" in Steglitz-Zehlendorf and the "Spandau macht Alte Musik" festival received funding. But there was also money for projects such as historical neighborhood walks, for cleanliness campaigns at tourist hotspots - or in Reinickendorf for a new sports boat dock.