A recent study by the Universität St. Gallen confirms the outstanding economic significance of Europa-Park. The theme park in Rust generates high three-digit million revenues annually in Baden-Württemberg and the neighboring Elsass region. With over six million visitors in the 2023/24 business year, it sustainably strengthens the regional economy and tourism.
Economic Impact Driven by Europa-Park
Europa-Park creates substantial revenue across the region. In the 2023/24 business year, it triggered 896 million euros in Baden-Württemberg, including 647 million euros in the Ortenau-Emmendingen region. The Erlebnisregion Europa-Park – encompassing Rust, Ettenheim, Herbolzheim, Kappel-Grafenhausen, Mahlberg, Rheinhausen, and Ringsheim – benefited most, with 343 million euros. In Elsass, revenues reached 156 million euros. These figures cover the park’s purchases of goods and services, visitor spending in hospitality and retail, employee consumption, and regional supplier contributions. The study emphasizes that Europa-Park’s comprehensive offerings and steady growth play a key role in driving economic value.
Tourism Surge Fueled by Six Million Visitors
Europa-Park, including its Wasserwelt Rulantica, recorded over six million entries in the 2023/24 business year – a 14 percent increase compared to previous years. Local and regional tourism businesses reap significant benefits from this influx. Approximately 2.4 million overnight stays occur outside the Europa-Park Resort, primarily in the Erlebnisregion and Elsass. Around 800,000 of these stays are tied to extended visits linked to the park, with guests from farther afield often adding one or two nights in the region. The resort itself hosted 1.4 million overnight stays. In total, Europa-Park visitors generate nearly four million overnight stays annually. Since 2018, the number of beds in commercial accommodations in the Erlebnisregion has grown by 78 percent, while overnight stays have surged by 154 percent. This “Europa-Park Effect” highlights the close link between the park’s growth and regional tourism.
Thousands of Jobs Secured in the Region
The theme park sustains numerous jobs. In the Ortenau-Emmendingen region, it directly and indirectly supports 6,100 employment relationships, with 3,900 in the Erlebnisregion alone. Across Baden-Württemberg, 7,800 people benefit from park-related jobs, alongside 2,100 in Elsass. Europa-Park directly employs 5,200 staff, while around 550 regional mid-sized companies receive contracts. “With consistent growth, Europa-Park significantly contributes to employment,” states Roland Scherer, the study’s scientific director. The analysis underscores the park’s social impact as a major employer in Southwest Germany.
Tax Revenue Bolsters Public Budgets
Economic activities tied to Europa-Park generate substantial tax revenues. In the Ortenau-Emmendingen region, these amount to 148 million euros – a 33 percent rise since 2018/19. Of this, 41 million euros flow into municipal coffers. For Baden-Württemberg as a whole, tax revenue totals 194 million euros. These funds stem from the revenues and consumer spending triggered by the park and its visitors, supporting stronger public budgets.
Owner’s Perspective on Regional Significance
Europa-Park owner Roland Mack remarks: “The Universität St. Gallen study vividly demonstrates that we are not just a popular leisure destination but also a vital economic force. Our investments and regional focus sustainably strengthen the entire area.” He highlights the expansion into a year-round destination, which boosts economic value and cross-border tourism impulses. “Our strategy of sourcing as many services as possible locally is crucial, sustainable, and forward-looking. Thousands of families owe a significant part of their income, directly or indirectly, to Europa-Park,” Mack adds. He welcomes the university’s in-depth scientific analysis of the company’s impact, noting that the production business MACK Rides in Waldkirch was not yet included. Mack sees this as validation to further expand their role as one of Southwest Germany’s largest employers.
