Neuwied's Naturgenuss network grows with 90 tourism partners

Collaborative Strategies Take Center Stage at Latest Naturgenuss Network Meeting in Landhotel Fernblick

Neuwied District unites 90 partners to boost tourism through food and nature

Neuwied District. The lone cowboy who gets the job done and then rides off into the sunset is a thing of the past—at least when it comes to tourism marketing. The latest Naturgenuss partner network meeting at Landhotel Fernblick in Hümmerich once again made clear that modern tourism is no place for solo players. "What our neighbors in Austria and Italy have long embraced is now gaining momentum here: effortless enjoyment of nature paired with regional products as a tool for tourism promotion," says District Administrator Achim Hallerbach, delighted by the growing success of the model. "Today, 90 partners are united in our significant regional network, and its profile continues to rise." For Neuwied District, the initiative is spearheaded by Jörg Hohenadl of the Economic Development Agency and the Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park, with Managing Director Irmgard Schröer playing a key role.

Years of groundwork by both institutions—through high-profile events like Advent on the Farms, Beef Weeks, and the Regional Market—are now bearing fruit, with partner engagement paying off in tangible ways.

Advent on the Farms has evolved into a true crowd favorite over the years, drawing over a thousand visitors in a single afternoon at some locations. The event has firmly established itself as one of the region's most successful tourism offerings, particularly during the otherwise quieter months of November and December.

The Westerwald Beef Weeks, now in their third consecutive year between May and June, are another clear indicator of the region's culinary strength between the Rhine and Westerwald. Here, premium beef—often organic—is available in an impressive variety, showcasing the area's agricultural excellence.

"Our diverse cattle breeds are a unique selling point compared to other regions in Rhineland-Palatinate," notes Jörg Hohenadl. "Unfortunately, this distinct advantage is still underutilized as a marketing tool. The Beef Weeks—with events like the Premium Beef Tasting, featuring up to seven high-quality beef cattle breeds, along with other culinary experiences—aim to raise awareness of this regional specialty."

Marketing thrives on platforms, and initiatives like Naturgenuss and Wir Westerwälder will once again bring numerous partners together at the Rural Women's Fair in Wirges this April. "As regional initiatives, we work closely together, cross-promote, and develop ideas jointly—such as the WällerBox, which still has untapped potential. A relaunch is planned for later this year," explain Irmgard Schröer and Jörg Hohenadl. The district also keeps a close eye on opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia, where strong networks already exist. Given its proximity, North Rhine-Westphalia is an ideal market for Westerwald's regional products—home to over a million residents, many with above-average incomes, urban lifestyles, and a growing interest in rural charm. Additionally, the tourist source markets in NRW align with those of the Rhine-Westerwald region, which is why Neuwied District participated in the WanderArt trade fair in Königswinter in early March.

"Even Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism now recognizes Naturgenuss as a fixed component—we're part of the strategic steering team for the Wine & Culinary business sector," Hohenadl emphasized during the meeting. His call to action: "We must push harder to make the value of regional products for tourism more widely recognized." He urged participants to expand their collective efforts with clear objectives and demanded more visible, concrete commitment from tourism institutions. The message was clear: the potential in tourism must be actively developed, not merely managed.

During their networking event, participants also discussed guided culinary-themed hikes, the development of new ideas, and product-specific annual priorities. The agenda further included the 2026 Social Media Campaign, the autumn theme "Potato," the new recipe booklet, and the Naturgenuss Regional Market on September 20, 2026, in Neustadt (Wied).

"Let's work together to make our region even more significant and appealing in regional products and the gourmet sector. After all, 'Naturgenuss' means added value for tourism!" The rallying call from Irmgard Schröer and Jörg Hohenadl carries a clear message: regional diversity is a genuine driver for tourism.