Former Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek (CDU) is set to become the new chairperson of the Bundestag’s tourism committee. As reported by the “Rheinische Post” (online), Karliczek was nominated for this position by the Union group. During the previous legislative period, Karliczek was already the tourism spokesperson for CDU/CSU. Karliczek told the newspaper that she wants to act as a bridge-builder between politics and the tourism industry. “We should and will seize the opportunities to further promote our beautiful country as a tourism destination.”
Around three million people are employed in the tourism sector in Germany, making it the third-largest employer, behind retail and healthcare and well ahead of industries like wholesale and machinery. The new federal government plans to reduce the value-added tax rate on food in restaurants back to seven percent, as per the coalition agreement. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve the competitiveness and international standing of German airports. Karliczek aims to work towards these goals as the new chairperson of the tourism committee.