Political Round Table at Movie Park: VDFU and NRW Theme Park Executives in Dialogue

On June 18, 2024, a significant political discussion took place at Movie Park Germany. The German Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (VDFU) had invited managers and operators from across North Rhine-Westphalia to discuss key issues facing the leisure industry with political representatives.

Hosts and Participants

The discussion was organized by the German Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (VDFU) and held at Movie Park Germany. Among the participants were managers and operators from 14 leisure facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The event was opened by VDFU President Friedhelm Freiherr von Landsberg-Velen, VDFU Managing Director Jürgen Gevers, and Movie Park Germany Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus.

Prominent Political Guests

Key political figures attending the event included Anja Karliczek, tourism policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and Member of the Bundestag; former CDU state parliament member Dr. Annette Bunse, and Hendrik Dierichs, district mayor of Kirchhellen (CDU).

Central Discussion Topics

A major focus was on the economic significance of Movie Park Germany. As the largest employer in the Bottrop area, the park employs up to 1,100 staff during the peak season. The park is part of the Parques Reunidos operating group, whose German sites contribute 25% of the annual corporate revenue, including Tropical Islands, Belantis, and Weltvogelpark Walsrode.

Concerns of the Leisure Parks

Representatives of the leisure facilities voiced several pressing concerns. These included the need for more flexible working hours' legislation for peak operational periods, shorter processing times for construction and funding applications, improved public transport connections, and addressing the pervasive shortage of skilled workers.

Statements from Participants

Friedhelm Freiherr von Landsberg-Velen emphasized the importance of future-proof regulatory conditions for the leisure industry and praised Anja Karliczek as an experienced political contact. Michael Bierhahn from PAPERDICE Group expressed his worry that the leisure industry is being overlooked in current political debates.

Politicians' Demands

Anja Karliczek highlighted the importance of networking among tourism and leisure industry associations and called for a unified political voice. She emphasized the role of the service sector in the German economy and the social value of leisure offerings. Karliczek advocated for aligning working-hours legislation with European standards and tax-free overtime pay. She called for reforms to combat the labor shortage by hiring foreign professionals and improving the digitalization of administrative processes, along with creating effective work incentives.

Further Discussions

Dr. Annette Bunse and Hendrik Dierichs encouraged dialogues with local politicians and regional economic development agencies, emphasizing the importance of industry associations like the VDFU.

Parallel Event

In parallel with the political discussion, the VDFU mentoring program for developing future leaders took place, supported by Anja Karliczek. Participants in the program had the opportunity to ride the Intamin Family Launch Coaster “Studio Tour” at Movie Park and get a behind-the-scenes look at the attraction.

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