Due to the ongoing low water levels in German rivers, Anja Karliczek, the chairperson of the Bundestag’s Tourism Committee and a CDU politician, has issued a warning regarding the potential consequences for inland water tourism. She highlighted that river cruises hold significant importance for Germany, noting that the sector has seen substantial growth recently. Many tourists, particularly those from Far East countries, have been drawn to the picturesque environments of the rivers, attracted by the comfort and the secure nature of the travel.
Karliczek emphasized that the cities situated along the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe benefit greatly from this financially strong clientele when they descend to land. She asserted that dining and commerce are currently dependent on these cruise tourists. Therefore, for this sector to continue growing, reliable waterways and a functioning transport infrastructure are essential. This necessity, the CDU politician stated, requires sufficient funding to expand the waterways.
Supporting this outlook, a industry report from the German Travel Association (DRV) indicates that the number of river cruise passengers increased from approximately 650,000 in 2022 to over 860,000 in 2025.
