Esch2022 presents its cross-border tourism strategy to stakeholders on a national level

On 1 June, the leaders of Esch2022 together with the responsible ministry and partners from the tourism sector, presented their tourism strategy in the Dudelange cultural centre "opderschmelz". This strategy has been developed in line with both the regional and national strategies, as well as in accordance with Esch-Alzette’s tourism strategy, and is to be implemented with the combined efforts of the tourism industry.

The appointment of Esch-Alzette as European Capital of Culture 2022, together with the ten Luxembourgish municipalities of the Pro-Sud union and the eight French municipalities of the CCPHVA, not only brings attention to the region, but it also promotes the region to tourists. For visitors from Luxembourg, France and the Greater Region, as well as guests from other European countries and beyond, new products for tourism will be developed through Esch2022. This should strengthen the attractiveness of the region as a tourist destination and its sustainable growth in the long-term. This will be done in line with existing strategies and in close cooperation with the entire tourism industry.

Along with the Ministry of Tourism, the LFT (Luxembourg for Tourism) and Horesca a.s.b.l. at the national level in Luxembourg, important partners include the South Regional Tourist Office (ORT Sud), at the regional level, the municipalities and all operators of tourist sites in the area of the European Capital of Culture. The event in Dudelange was primarily attended by representatives from the hotel, leisure, and tourism industries.

Optimizing the potential of Esch2022

"The title European Capital of Culture offers an extraordinary opportunity to highlight the south of Luxembourg on our tourist map. The entire region has great potential, and, thanks to a cohesive tourism strategy and innovative projects, it can continue to contribute to the attractiveness of Luxembourg as a tourist destination beyond 2022. With this backdrop, the General Directorate of Tourism works closely with the responsible Esch2022 representatives to create long-term, modern, and comprehensive tourist attractions.", says Lex Delles, Minister of Tourism.

The aim of the event was twofold. Firstly, it presented Esch2022’s tourism strategy and secondly it focused on new tourism products. One of the most important projects is the infrastructure, artistic display, and use of the 90-kilometre-long Minett Trail, which includes for example, the creation of eleven extraordinary overnight accommodations in all the Pro-Sud communities as well as new comprehensive directional and informational signs. The Minett Cycle Tour will offer three different routes, providing cyclists with several options covering a total distance of 110 kilometres. Finally, the "Virtual Reality" bus tour in Belval invites guests on a virtual journey back in time to the last century.

"The newly developed offerings are intended to make the Esch2022 region a unique experience and more visible. Our goal is to ensure high demand and the capacity to provide tourism operations beyond 2022. This is why it is important to develop and promote these offers together," says Thierry Kruchten, responsible for tourism, mobility and sustainable development at Esch2022. "As we are building on a national and regional strategy, target markets and target groups have been identified ensuring our actions are aligned."

Boosting regional added value in the long term

The South of Luxembourg is a young, open, and dynamic area. The transformation of the region from an industrial district to an attractive and innovative tourism region has a lasting impact on regional development. Esch2022’s vivacity allows visitors from Luxembourg and Europe to discover culture, art, nature, the openness of people and it shapes the framework for sustainable tourism growth.

"Esch2022 is an enormous opportunity for the hotel and gastronomy industry – especially in the south and the border region, but also on a national level. The pandemic has hit us hard, and this project, which will attract numerous visitors next year and, in the future, offers an important perspective for the entire sector," says François Koepp, Secretary General of Horesca a.s.b.l.

In the coming months, similar events will be organised in France (Grand Est region) and other parts of the Greater Region of Esch2022 to guarantee cross-border cooperation.