Braunschweig: Economic Policy in Focus – Cultural Economy, Tourism, and Vacant Spaces

Economic Impulses for Braunschweig: Cultural Economy, Tourism, and Vacant Spaces

In February 2026, Braunschweig took a more strategic approach to positioning itself as an attractive economic and tourism location. The focus was on strengthening the cultural and creative industries (CCI), promoting camper van tourism for the major event "Tag der Niedersachsen," and addressing vacant spaces in the city center, particularly in the Schloss-Arkaden. These topics were the central focus of the Economic Committee meeting on February 24, 2026.

Cultural and Creative Industries: Innovation through Networking

The cultural and creative industries (CCI) are not only a cultural but also an economic key sector in Braunschweig. To further develop the industry, the city of Braunschweig, together with Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH, supports projects that improve the conditions for CCI businesses. Priority areas of support include the creation of network structures, creative environments, and market research.

In February, a comprehensive study on the current situation of the CCI in Braunschweig was presented. The study, conducted by the consultants STADTart GmbH and Multiplicities GmbH, analyzes not only the structure of the industry but also the causes of the development of individual sub-sectors. The goal is to develop action proposals that will be discussed in the Economic Committee and later implemented as concrete support measures.

A central partner in this process is the association KreativRegion Braunschweig e.V. The city supports the work of the association to improve the visibility, networking, and market access for creative companies. The results of the study will also flow into the association's future work, aiming for a long-term strengthening of the CCI.

Camper Van Tourism: Impulse for the "Tag der Niedersachsen"

The "Tag der Niedersachsen" is one of the largest events in Braunschweig's event calendar, with an expected attendance of 350,000 people. To maximize the economic and tourism impact of the event, the city promotes camper van tourism by providing additional parking spaces and temporary camping areas. Camper van tourism and camping holidays are an economic factor in Germany, generating an economic value of 19.5 billion euros in 2023.

The city is currently assessing whether the existing 40 parking spaces are sufficient for the large event and whether additional temporary areas are necessary. Stadtbad GmbH has committed to determining the costs for any possible extensions. The goal is to strengthen Braunschweig's image as an attractive tourism destination while simultaneously generating economic impulses in gastronomy, retail, and leisure activities.

In addition, a concept for the promotion of cycling tourism is being developed. This includes regional cycling routes, information materials, and advisory services. Cycling tourism is seen as a meaningful complement to camper van tourism and is being brought back into the focus of Braunschweig's tourism development.

Vacant Spaces in the City Center: Challenges and Innovations

Another important topic in the Economic Committee was the issue of vacant spaces in the city center, particularly in the Schloss-Arkaden. The Schloss-Arkaden, with 30,000 square meters of space and 150 shops, are undergoing a transformation process. While visitor frequency has stabilized, it has not yet reached the pre-crisis level of 2019.

The reasons for the lower frequency are diverse: structural changes in retail, changing consumer behavior, and digitalization. Long-term vacancies are mainly caused by bankruptcies or special space requirements. New rental contracts have already been signed for several spaces, and forward-looking concepts are being implemented.

Future use concepts include complementary services, innovative retail formats, and mixed-use developments. The goal is to sustainably strengthen the mix of industries and ensure the attractiveness of the location. The city intends to remain actively involved in the search for new use concepts to keep the city center attractive and vibrant.

Outlook: Braunschweig as a Dynamically Developing City

The developments in February 2026 show that Braunschweig is actively working on the future of its economic location. Strengthening the cultural and creative industries, promoting camper van tourism, and addressing vacant spaces in the city center are central building blocks for an economic future that is both creative and economically robust.

Through targeted support measures, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative use concepts, Braunschweig aims to further develop itself as an attractive location for businesses, creatives, and tourists.