Ahrtal: Young tourists conquer the event region after the flood!

Ahrtal: Young tourists conquer the event region after the flood!

After the devastating flood disaster in July 2021, which demanded over 180 lives, the Ahr Valley is on the way of rehabilitation. According to SWR Since then, Ahrtal-Tourism has become an increase in younger people who are increasingly interested in the region. Managing Director Andreas Lambeck emphasizes that the target group of Ahrtal tourism is now focused on younger people to convey a new, dynamic picture of the region.

Before the flood disaster, the Ahr Valley had an outdated image. Well, in the middle of the reconstruction, Ahrtal-Tourismus GmbH plans to market the region as an event region. Around 1,200 events take place in the region every year, which rang from large concerts to the AHR marathon to wine festivals. Future festivals will be designed in such a way that they are more appealing and modern for younger guests.

The flood disaster and its consequences

The flood disaster, which raged on July 14 and 15, 2021 in several federal states, including Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, led to financial damage of over 40 billion euros. In the Ahrtal alone, more than 9,000 buildings and 100 bridges were damaged or destroyed, which cost more than 17,000 people their home. The floods, triggered by extremely high rainy amounts of up to 150 liters per square meter in just 24 hours, had led to a dramatic increase in rivers and massive floods. This catastrophe is considered the greatest natural disaster in the history of Germany, as the Federal Center for Political Education

In addition to the physical destruction, psychological consequences can be observed among those affected, with 42 % of those surveyed, which report severe stress, and 28 % that show signs of post -traumatic stress disorder. The region's reconstruction continues to be supported by state aid programs and private donations. While over 800 million euros in instant aid were provided, many criticize that only a small part of the reconstruction was called up.

reconstruction and future prospects

In the context of the reconstruction, the EU has submitted proposals to support the affected regions. The use of the "European Fund for Regional Development" (ERDRE) could be covered up to 95 % of the costs of reconstruction projects, so EU-Parliament . These measures are part of a more comprehensive reaction to natural disasters and aim to provide faster liquidity for those affected and to support the reconstruction of the infrastructure.

Andreas Lambeck emphasizes that the Ahr Valley has to use the chance to change. "Recovery tourism" is included in the considerations for future tourism development. Despite the visible destruction in the region, visitors should not be deterred; Rather, a concept is pursued that does not hide the unfinished, but presented openly as part of the reconstruction. The process does not require a withdrawal, but a confidently promoting the reorientation.