The Committee on Tourism 2 “Every year, more and more people spend their holidays in . Tourists from Germany and abroad value our varied landscapes, our rich cultural heritage, and the ­people living in our regions with their varying customs and tradi­ tions. Almost three million people in Germany work hard to ensure that holidaymakers enjoy them­ selves. Tourism is a powerful driver­ of job creation and an important economic factor for our beautiful country. The Committee on Tour­ ism wants to ensure that there is a positive framework both for our visitors and for workers in the tour­ ism industry, and that ­Germany remains a safe and ­popular desti- nation.”

Sebastian Münzenmaier, AfD Chairman of the Committee on Tourism

3 The German ’s decisions are prepared by its committees, which are estab­ lished at the start of each elec­ toral term. Four of them are stipulated by the Basic Law, the German constitution: the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Defence Committee, the Committee on the Affairs of the European Union and the Petitions Committee. The Budget Committee and the Committee for the Rules of Procedure are also required by law. The spheres of respon­ sibility of the committees essentially reflect the Federal Government’s distribution of ministerial portfolios. This enables Parliament to scruti­ nise the government’s work effectively.

The Bundestag committees The German Bundestag sets political priorities of its own by establishing additional committees for specific sub­ jects, such as sport, cultural affairs or tourism. In addition, special bodies such as parlia­ mentary advisory councils, The committees discuss and committees of inquiry or deliberate on items referred study commissions can also to them by the plenary. They be established. The commit­ also have the right to take up tees are composed of mem­ issues on their own initiative, bers of all the parliamentary allowing them to set priorities groups, reflecting the balance in the parliamentary debate. of these groups in the German When necessary, they draw Bundestag. The distribution on external expertise – usu­ of the chairs and deputy ally by holding public hear­ chairs among the parliamen­ ings. At the end of a commit­ tary groups also reflects their tee’s deliberations, a majority relative strengths in the ple­ of its members adopt a recom­ nary. In the current electoral mendation for a decision and term, the committees have a report, which serve as the between nine and 49 mem­ basis for the plenary’s deci­ bers. sion.

5 Looking back at recent years shows that Germans’ love of travel is undiminished. More than half of Germans go on at least one holiday a year, many of them within their own country. Yet holidays, the most enjoyable days of the year for some, represent work and a living for others. The Committee on Tourism therefore operates in a field that is subject to competing demands. It discusses both tourists’ consumer rights and good parameters for tourism businesses. In this context, the Committee not only looks at Germany, but also at desti­ nations worldwide. What funding models will exist for tourism in the future? How can rural tourism be shaped? What rights do tourists have when things go wrong? And what does accessible travel actually mean? The 18 members of the Committee, chaired by Sebastian Münzen­ maier (AfD), grapple with all of these issues.

The Committee on Tourism Tourism is a cross-cutting ­sector which touches on many policy fields. Politicians spe­ cialising in economic affairs take an interest in turnover and jobs in the tourism indus­ try; politicians specialising in transport policy have a This makes the role of the role to play when it comes Committee on Tourism, which to improving tourism infra­ brings together all issues rele­ structure; and the Federal vant to tourism, even more Ministry of Justice and Con­ crucial. Given the Commit­ sumer Protection is respon­ tee’s wide spectrum of topics, sible for protecting travellers’ the Committee members col­ rights. In addition, tourism laborate with various experts policy in Germany is struc­ from politics, business, aca­ tured on federal lines. As demia and civil society in the a result, the federal level is framework of hearings and responsible for shaping and consultations, working groups developing the general par- and on-site visits. Tourism a­meters for the tourism sec- generates 105 billion euros in tor, while the Länder (federal gross value added (GVA) for states) and municipalities Germany as a whole – 3.9 per are responsible for concrete cent of the country’s total planning, implementation GVA – making it an economic and support. Unlike other heavy­weight. Its contribution countries, however, Germany is comparable to retail (3.3 per does not have a ministry for cent) and engineering (3.5 per tourism. cent).

6 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CDU/CSU 4 ■ ■ ■ ■ SPD 2 ■ ■ AfD 2 ■ ■ FDP 2 ■ ■ Party 2 ■ ■ /The Greens

Number of members: 18 Chairman: Sebastian Münzenmaier, AfD Deputy Chairwoman: , CDU/CSU

7 Tourism companies also serve an important function as employers. Almost 3 mil­ lion people are directly employed in the tourism industry, or 7 per cent of all industry has other special fea­ workers. Tourism is thus the tures. Notably, it is dominated sector employing the third-​ by small and medium-sized highest number of workers in enterprises. Two-thirds of Germany – behind the health accommodation establish­ ­sector and retail, and well ments offer fewer than 20 ahead of sectors such as rooms, and the same propor­ engineering and agriculture. tion have an annual turnover Another reason why tourism of less than 500,000 euros. is so important to a region is This has implications for the fact that it does not simply the equity-capital ratio of the benefit companies falling individual companies and is a directly within the tourism factor in investment backlogs sector. It also has an impact in some parts of Germany. on other sectors, such as retail, The Committee on Tourism energy producers, insurance, therefore welcomes industry construction companies and initiatives to foster greater doctors; it safeguards incomes innovation and professional­ in these areas and ensures ism, and champions simpler jobs cannot be relocated else­ access to loans, including where. Besides its cross-​sec­ for small businesses and toral significance, the tourism micro-enterprises.

8 The German tourism sector faces global competition from destinations around the None of this has happened world. Germany must there­ by chance, however; it is the fore constantly raise its profile result of years of work, which in order to avoid being dis­ the Committee on Tourism placed by other destinations. has monitored and supported. Offering visitors something To ensure that Germany can unique, special and distinc­ retain its market position tive is key in order to stand in future, the Members of out. Germany’s diversity, in the Bundestag specialising particular, is what makes the in tourism policy not only country a special destination. support tried and tested As well as enjoying active approaches, but also respond ­holidays in the mountains or to trends and discuss them at the seaside, holidaymakers at the Committee’s meetings. can explore a large number of Key trends include, for ex- cities, go on shopping trips, ample, the digital revolution, or relax with wellness breaks ­climate change, public accept­ at spas. Germany represents ance of tourism, demographic good value for money and this change, and the individual­isa- plays a major role in making tion of society. Modern, effi­ it an attractive destination, cient and environmentally as by comparison with other compatible tourism requires countries Germany offers a smart transport solutions and combination of very inexpen­ a well-developed and func­ sive accommodation and out­ tioning infrastructure – and standing quality and service so these topics, too, are often levels. discussed by the Committee.

9 Each March, ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, is held in the German capital. The Committee members use it as a platform for dialogue with politicians ­specialising in tourism and The diverse nature of the Com- representatives of the tourism mittee’s work is highlighted industry from around the by a glance at the agendas and world. guest lists for its meetings. The Committee also invites For example, the Committee ambassadors from a wide members regularly discuss the range of countries to its meet­ shortage of skilled workers in ings. They report on the gen­ Germany and its impact on eral situation in their home the tourism industry. Accessi­ countries, and in particular bility along the entire travel on the latest developments chain is another subject exam­ in their tourism sectors. ined by the Committee at reg­ The Committee also regularly ular intervals. The Committee requests reports from the Fed­ also meets representatives of eral Ministry for Economic the German National Tourist Affairs and Energy on subjects Board to obtain information relating to the tourism indus­ about marketing abroad. Rep­ try. These reports reflect the resentatives of many sectors wide range of issues dealt within the tourism industry with by the Committee. For report to the Committee about example, the Federal Govern­ their work and the challenges ment has briefed the Commit­ they are currently facing. For tee on the EU Package Travel example, the Committee has Directive and on the EU’s plans met the president of the Ger­ to reform rail passenger rights. man Hotels and Restaurants In addition, the Federal Gov­ Association and the president ernment presents its Report of the German Aviation Asso­ on Tourism Policy once in ciation. every electoral term.

10 Federal Government bills, motions and opinions, as well as EU items of business, are regularly referred to the Com­ mittee for it to discuss and adopt a position. However, employer in lagging regions in it can also take up matters on particular. The members have its own initiative and set its adopted a motion calling for own priorities. Accessibility, closer links between cultural in particular, is a subject affairs and tourism, especially which the Committee exam­ in rural areas, in order to ines regularly. A hearing was make better use of the avail- held at which the members able potential. In addition, the examined the potential for an Committee has held a public expansion in accessible travel hearing on the value added by services, and this important tourism in large-​scale conser­ topic is regularly raised at vation areas, such as national many other meetings as well. parks and nature parks. The Committee is also setting In short, the Committee on special priorities with regard Tourism has a key role to play to rural areas, as the tourism on all issues relating to tour­ industry can be an important ism in Germany.

11 Sebastian Münzenmaier, AfD Chairman, Astrid Damerow, AfD spokesman on CDU/CSU tourism policy Deputy chairwoman Insurance and Bank clerk, investment salesman, b. 30 Mar. 1958 b. 2 July 1989 in Bonndorf in Darmstadt; im Schwarzwald; unmarried. married; one child. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2017 since 2017

Committee members The 18 members of the Committee on Tourism

12 , , CDU/CSU , CDU/CSU CDU/CSU spokesman CDU/CSU Public administration on tourism policy Business administrator, specialist, Lawyer, b. 5 Nov. 1962 b. 8 June 1967 b. 20 Nov. 1959 in Staßfurt; in Metzingen; in Ochsenfurt; two children. married; three children. married; two children. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2009 since 2013 since 2005

Dr Klaus-Peter Schulze, CDU/CSU , CDU/CSU spokesman , CDU/CSU on the Committee SPD Economist, Teacher, Railway officer, b. 23 Dec. 1978 b. 3 July 1954 b. 14 Oct. 1964 in Goch; in Döbern; in Würzburg; unmarried. married; three children. married; two children. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2017 since 2013 since 2005

13 Gabriele Hiller-Ohm, SPD SPD spokeswoman on the Committee, SPD spokeswoman on tourism policy Gülistan Yüksel, Journalist, employee , SPD of the state of SPD Pharmaceutical Schleswig-Holstein, Sports teacher, technical assistant, b. 28 Feb. 1953 b. 5 May 1967 b. 27 Mar. 1962 in Lübeck; in Halle (Saale); in Turkey; two children. married; two children. married; two children. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2002 since 2013 since 2013

Christoph Neumann, Dr , Roman Müller-Böhm, AfD FDP FDP AfD spokesman FDP spokesman FDP spokesman on the Committee on tourism policy on the Committee Engineering teacher, Social scientist, Student, b. 7 Nov. 1964 b. 4 Dec. 1980 b. 12 Dec. 1992 in ; in Apolda; in Essen; married; two children. unmarried. unmarried. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2017 since 2017 since 2017

14 , The Left Party The Left Party spokes­woman on the Committee, The Left Party spokeswoman on tourism policy Economist, b. 7 Jan. 1958 in Radebeul; married; two children. Bundestag Member since 2013

Markus Tressel, Alliance 90/The Greens Alliance 90/The Greens spokesman on the Committee, Alliance 90/The Greens Sabine Zimmermann, Stefan Schmidt, spokesman on tourism The Left Party Alliance 90/The Greens policy Building materials Teacher, research Party manager engineer, assistant, at Land level, b. 30 Dec. 1960 b. 19 May 1981 b. 17 Apr. 1977 in Pasewalk; in Freystadt; in ; married; two children. married; one child. married; two children. Bundestag Member Bundestag Member Bundestag Member since 2005 since 2017 since 2009

15 Information online

The Committee on Tourism www.bundestag.de/en/committees/a20

The German National Tourist Board www.germany.travel/en

The German Tourism Association www.deutschertourismusverband.de

The Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry www.btw.de/der-btw/about-btw-engl

16 Contact details for the Committee Secretariat

Deutscher Bundestag Ausschuss für Tourismus Platz der Republik 1 11011 Berlin Tel.: +49 30 227-35887 Fax: +49 30 227-36383 Email: [email protected]

17 Published by: German Bundestag, Public Relations Division Coordination: Robert Schönbrodt Texts: Georgia Rauer; revised by: Committees Directorate (p. 4 – 5), Secretariat of the Committee on Tourism (p. 6 – 17) Edited by: Marianne Wollenweber Translated by: Language Service of the German Bundestag, in cooperation with Emma Hardie Design: Marc Mendelson Bundestag eagle: Created by Professor Ludwig Gies, revised in 2008 by büro uebele Photos: p. 2 Deutscher Bundestag (DBT) / ​Linus Lintner Fotografie; p. 8–9, 10, 11 DBT / ​Marc-Steffen Unger; p. 19 DBT / ​studio kohlmeier Portrait photos: p. 3, 12 Sebastian Münzenmaier / ​personal photo (Sebastian Münzenmaier); p. 12 Astrid Damerow / ​personal photo (Astrid Damerow); p. 13 Heike Brehmer / ​Foto-Objekt-Design Koglin (Heike Brehmer); Michael Donth / ​Jan Kopetzky (Michael Donth); Paul Lehrieder / ​Henning Schacht (Paul Lehrieder); DBT / ​Stella von Saldern (Stefan Rouenhoff); DBT / ​Achim Melde (Klaus-Peter Schulze); DBT / ​Thomas Trutschel / ​photothek (Martin Burkert); p. 14 Benno Kraehahn (Gabriele Hiller-Ohm); SPD-Parteivorstand / ​ Benno Kraehahn (Frank Junge); SPD-Parteivorstand / ​Benno Kraehahn (Gülistan Yüksel); / ​Astrid Nerlich (Christoph Neumann); Dr Marcel Klinge / ​Jens Hagen (Marcel Klinge); Bernhardt Link – Farbton- werk (Roman Müller-Böhm); p. 15 Kerstin Kassner / ​Bernd Wiesenberg (Kerstin Kassner); Die Linke im Bundestag (Sabine Zimmermann); DBT / ​Thomas Köhler / ​photothek (Stefan Schmidt); / Erik Marquardt (Markus Tressel) Graphic: p. 7 Marc Mendelson Printed by: Druckhaus Waiblingen Remstal-Bote GmbH As at: January 2019 © Deutscher Bundestag, Berlin All rights reserved. This publication has been produced as part of the German Bundestag’s public relations activities. It is provided free of charge and is not intended for sale. It may not be used for election campaign purposes or utilised by parties or parliamentary groups in their own public relations activities. 19 The German Bundestag takes decisions on what are at times highly complex and controversial bills and parliamentary initiatives relating to the entire spectrum of policy fields. The committees play a central role in parliamentary deliberations. They are the forum where the Members thrash out compromises and draw on expert advice before submitting their reports and recommen­dations for decisions to be voted on by the Bundestag as a whole. www.bundestag.de/en/committees