Evaluating the economic impact of tourism in Germany’s Biosphere Reserves

Abstract

Biosphere Reserves, as designated by UNESCO, serve as models for sustainable development, fostering balanced interactions between humans and nature. In this framework, tourism plays a vital role, supporting local economies and awareness of sustainable practices, as well as conservation, management, and development efforts. However, little is known about the overall scope and economic impact of tourism in Biosphere Reserves, particularly in industrialized nations. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of tourism and the economic impact of visitor spending across Germany’s 18 Biosphere Reserves. Key parameters include visitor days by overnight guests and day visitors, visitors’ affinity for the Biosphere Reserves, and the economic impact of visitor spending. Germany’s Biosphere Reserves recorded 71.6 million visitor days, generating €1.97 billion in direct and indirect value added through on-site spending. Most German Biosphere Reserves are popular day trip destinations, attracting visitors from nearby agglomerations. Visitors with a high affinity for the Biosphere Reserve accounted for 11% of visitor days, generating an economic impact of €85.63 million in value added. The study highlights the Biosphere Reserves’ potential in promoting awareness for sustainable conservation and development measures. It also proposes a standardized, replicable approach for measuring economic impacts of tourism in protected areas worldwide, supporting long-term socio-economic monitoring within UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.