Europa-Park and District Administrator Erny Discuss Future Strategies for Economy, Sustainability, and Workforce

Thorsten Erny, the newly appointed District Administrator of the Ortenaukreis, recently met with Roland and Jürgen Mack, owners of Europa-Park, for an extensive exchange of ideas. The focus of their discussion centered on the economic significance of the theme park, sustainable initiatives, and strategies for workforce recruitment and management. With over 5,000 employees and innovative housing solutions, Europa-Park stands as one of the region's largest employers and exemplifies leadership in sustainable development and social responsibility.

Economic Importance and Regional Impact

Europa-Park is one of the key economic drivers in southwestern Germany. Beyond its more than 5,000 directly employed staff, over 8,000 additional jobs indirectly depend on the park. District Administrator Thorsten Erny emphasized that the park’s economic influence extends well beyond the Ortenaukreis. Europa-Park not only serves as a cornerstone of the regional economy but also acts as a catalyst for tourism and innovation. This dynamism is reflected in its reputation as both a major employer and an investment powerhouse, locally and internationally.

Workforce Challenges and Innovative Solutions

With a team comprising employees from over 100 countries, Europa-Park faces unique challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled professionals. Jürgen Mack highlighted that the construction of over 1,500 employee housing units has been a vital component of the park’s strategy to attract international talent. These housing facilities provide modern, comfortable accommodations that play a significant role in securing long-term commitments from qualified staff. The park views this initiative as both a necessary response to labor shortages and an investment in maintaining the high standards of its services.

Sustainability as a Strategic Priority

Sustainability also took center stage during the discussions. Roland and Jürgen Mack underscored the growing importance of ecological and social responsibility within Europa-Park’s strategic vision. From sustainable construction projects to energy-efficient solutions, the park implements forward-thinking measures that are both economically sound and environmentally conscious. The recently developed Rulantica water world, one of the park’s most ambitious projects, exemplifies this commitment to innovative and sustainable leisure concepts. The project was made possible with the support of the Ortenaukreis District Office.

Collaboration with the District Office

Roland Mack highlighted the value of the long-standing and professional partnership with the Ortenaukreis District Office. Without the support and progressive approach of this authority, large-scale projects like Rulantica—representing an investment of over €250 million—would not have been achievable. This close collaboration is not only a cornerstone of project success but also a testament to the strong relationship between local government and private enterprise.

A Personal Connection from the New District Administrator

Thorsten Erny, who hails from Rust and served on the local council for many years, brought a unique perspective to the meeting. As a former council member, he is intimately familiar with the viewpoints of the community and its residents. Erny expressed his admiration for the entrepreneurial achievements behind Europa-Park’s success and acknowledged the park's ability to address both local and international challenges effectively.

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