Lower Saxony City Partnership Builds Anticipation for Cultural City Experiences

© 9 cities

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH is using a city network campaign to whet people’s appetite for summery temperatures and attractive weekend getaways on their own. Anticipation guaranteed. Large-format posters in cities across Lower Saxony and in neighboring federal states showcase “city experiences right next door.”

“We’ll definitely see each other” is the campaign’s motto. For many who currently can’t plan a big vacation trip, the goal is to spark anticipation for relaxing city explorations. Lower Saxony’s cities offer—especially given the current COVID-19 situation—the perfect combination of urban charm, culture, and nature right in the heart of the cities.

The sights are easily accessible individually and within short distances. Europe’s largest contiguous ensemble of half-timbered houses in Celle, UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Old Town in Goslar and the Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim, or the magnificent townhouses and medieval squares in Braunschweig can all be comfortably explored on foot. The same goes for the sights in downtown Hanover along the “Roter Faden” (Red Thread). In Hamelin, much—but not all—revolves around the legendary Pied Piper. In Wolfenbüttel, the city of Lessing, the Royal Palace and over 600 half-timbered houses are a delight to behold. History and a lively student atmosphere shape the cityscape of Göttingen, a university town steeped in tradition. At the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, you can experience mobility in its many facets.

Under the name “9 Cities in Lower Saxony,” Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen, Goslar, Hameln, Hanover, Hildesheim, Wolfenbüttel, and the Autostadt in Wolfsburg—together with Hanover Airport—have been marketing themselves abroad for years. Due to changes in travel options caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership is currently focusing on regional tourism. “Our joint initiative is intended, in particular, to support tourism service providers in our cities who have been especially hard hit by the lockdown,” explains Hans Nolte, managing director of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH and spokesperson for the “9 Cities” partnership, describing the campaign. “And, of course, this initiative is also a sign of solidarity among the cities of Lower Saxony,” says Nolte.

The number of overnight stays in cities fell by more than 50 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. This has led to a sharp decline in revenue not only in the hotel industry, but also in the restaurant sector, retail, and among tourism service providers.