River related tourism in Europe ? an overview

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of different types of river-oriented tourism in Europa. All of them belong to the growing sectors of the business. They are based on essential characteristics of river landscapes as common factors of attractiveness. A series of supply-oriented indicators is used to draw up a ranking of the European river-cruise-districts. The cruising market is characterized by extensive investment strategies of some leading companies. In order to attract also younger people and families, they have to develop new structures of supply. The canal-systems of Western Europe form the most important prerequisite for houseboat-tourism. It's main districts can be ranked by the indicator: “number of the types of charterable boats”. The rising request for adventures and progress in kayak- and raft-technology are driving factors to whitewater-tourism. It's more important districts in the Alps, Pyrenees as well as in different medium mountains are shown. The shift into higher mountain regions causes ecological problems and severe personal risks. Biking has become a prefered leisure activity with river basins as the main goal areas. Some essential characteristics are given by the examples of two most significant routes: the Austrian Danubetrail and the Bavarian Altmuhl-route. Finally, the planning concept of “integral management of river basins” is discussed which should support and coordinate the different styles of river-oriented tourism.