Congress Initiative for the Bavarian Tourism Industry: Easier Funding Conditions to Strengthen Smaller Towns and Rural Regions

The congress initiative has successfully strengthened Bavaria's competitive position as a congress destination and attracted numerous additional events to Bavaria's destinations. With this program, Bavaria has taken on a pioneering role. Bavaria is the first German state to launch a corresponding initiative and thus the first state of Germany to support cities and rural regions equally in the acquisition of congresses. A total of around 25 million Euros will be available for the "Congress Initiative for the Bavarian Tourism Industry" until 2029.

Aktualisiert am: 09.08.2024
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Improved Funding Conditions

To further support congress destinations – especially in smaller cities and rural areas – funding conditions have been eased, particularly regarding the minimum number of participants. Funding continues to follow a graduated model, based on participant numbers and event duration. Previously, a minimum of 300 participants was required for an event to qualify for funding. This threshold still applies to events held in Munich and Nuremberg. However, it has been reduced to 200 participants for events in Augsburg, Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Fürth, Würzburg, and Erlangen, and to 100 participants for events in all other municipalities. Additionally, events can now receive funding up to twice within five consecutive years – a change from the previous policy, which largely excluded repeat funding. The minimum event duration of two days remains unchanged across Bavaria.

Congress destination Bavaria

Bavaria scores highly with its numerous outstanding congress locations in cities and rural areas, modern conference hotels, a wide range of culinary and cultural attractions as well as its typical hospitality. Bavaria enjoys an excellent reputation as a congress location.

Importance of congresses for tourism

Conferences and congresses are a important factor for tourism. Congress participants are welcome guests. Hotels and restaurants benefit as much as retailers, cultural and leisure providers. Many congress travelers are inspired by their stay in Bavaria and often come back to spend their vacation here. The congress stay is often combined directly with a few days' vacation. This also benefits the surrounding areas of larger congress locations in particular. All of this contributes to the added value of tourism in the regions. Furthermore, congresses strengthen Bavaria's reputation as an international business and science destination. They promote the exchange of knowledge and networking and bring together experts from different sectors, regions and disciplines.