Europa-Park in Rust significantly drives the economy of Baden-Württemberg and Alsace. A University of St. Gallen study reveals that in the 2023/24 fiscal year, the theme park generated revenues of 896 million euros in Baden-Württemberg and 156 million in Alsace. Visitor numbers, employment, and tax revenues benefit substantially.
Economic Impact of Europa-Park
In the 2023/24 fiscal year, Europa-Park triggered revenues of 896 million euros in Baden-Württemberg, including 647 million in the Ortenau-Emmendingen region and 343 million in the Erlebnisregion Europa-Park, encompassing Rust, Ettenheim, Herbolzheim, Kappel-Grafenhausen, Mahlberg, Rheinhausen, and Ringsheim. In Alsace, revenues reached 156 million euros, according to a study by the University of St. Gallen. These figures include the park’s purchases of goods and services, visitor spending in hospitality and retail, employee consumption, and regional businesses’ upstream contributions. “With its comprehensive offerings and steady growth, Europa-Park significantly contributes to value creation, employment, and tourism,” states Roland Scherer, the study’s academic director.
Tourism Surge with Millions of Overnight Stays
In 2023/24, over six million visitors flocked to Europa-Park and its water park, Rulantica, marking a 14 percent increase compared to previous years. This surge fueled regional tourism: 2.4 million overnight stays occurred in external accommodations in the Erlebnisregion and Alsace, with 800,000 tied to extended visits. Visitors from farther distances often extend their stay in the region by one or two nights. The Europa-Park Resort recorded 1.4 million overnight stays. In total, the park triggered nearly four million overnight stays. Since 2018, the number of beds in commercial accommodations in the Erlebnisregion has grown by 78 percent, while overnight stays have soared by 154 percent, showcasing a clear “Europa-Park Effect.”
Jobs and Regional Collaboration
Europa-Park sustains 6,100 jobs in the Ortenau-Emmendingen region, including 3,900 in the Erlebnisregion. Across Baden-Württemberg, 7,800 individuals benefit from park-related employment, with 2,100 in Alsace. The park directly employs around 5,200 staff members. Approximately 550 regional mid-sized companies received contracts from the park. “Our regional procurement and employment policies sustainably strengthen the entire region,” emphasizes Roland Mack, owner of Europa-Park.
Rising Tax Revenues
Revenues and consumer spending linked to Europa-Park generated tax revenues of 148 million euros in Ortenau-Emmendingen, a 33 percent increase from 2018/19. Of this, 41 million euros went to municipal taxes. In Baden-Württemberg, total tax revenues reached 194 million euros.
Sustainable Growth as a Year-Round Destination
“The Europa-Park is not only a popular leisure and vacation destination but also a major economic driver,” underscores Roland Mack. Its expansion into a year-round destination fosters value creation, employment, and tourism across the cross-border region. The strategy of sourcing services locally contributes to the sustainable strengthening of Southwest Germany. The University of St. Gallen study vividly illustrates the park’s economic significance, excluding the MACK Rides production facility in Waldkirch. Many overnight stays in the Black Forest are spurred by Europa-Park visits. “We are delighted that the University of St. Gallen has conducted such an in-depth scientific analysis of our company’s impact,” Mack notes. The figures affirm the park’s long-standing strategy of leveraging regional resources and its role as one of the largest employers in the Southwest, supporting thousands of families directly or indirectly.
