The campsite on Bostalsee lake in the municipality of Nohfelden is to undergo comprehensive modernisation. The aim is to put this important tourist property to long-term economic use and lease it to a private operator.
The project was officially launched today with the signing of a partnership agreement (LOI) between Saarland’s regional development company LEG Saar and the district of St. Wendel, with the Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke in attendance.
Minister of Economic Affairs and Tourism Jürgen Barke: ‘Bostalsee lake is one of Saarland’s most important tourist flagships. With today’s project launch, we are laying the foundations for making this campsite a crowd-puller that meets the highest standards – as well as ensuring it remains a strong economic factor for the region.’
The district of St. Wendel, which owns a site around 14 hectares in size with 436 pitches and numerous buildings in need of renovation, has granted LEG Saar a 25-year leasehold.
LEG Saar are responsible for coordinating the project. The first step will be a comprehensive stocktake. Next, a feasibility study will be conducted with the help of a tourism consultant. This will be used to develop a renovation and operating concept.
Valentin Holzer, CEO of LEG Saar: ‘This project is sending a strong message regarding sustainable regional development. LEG Saar are taking responsibility for strategically reorienting a flagship tourism project in Saarland.’
As things continue, LEG Saar will coordinate the entire development process (from status analysis through to modernisation plan) and conduct a tender procedure to select a private operator. If no suitable partner is found, the agreement provides for a right of reversion with the district reimbursing costs.
Udo Recktenwald, administrator of the district of St. Wendel:
‘Bostalsee lake is the beating heart of tourism in the St. Wendel region. A million overnight stays a year speak for themselves, especially as this represents not just a leisure factor but also an economic one. The campsite on Bostalsee is a key element of the lake’s infrastructure. In recent years, we have expanded, renovated and added to the infrastructure around the lake after almost fifty years. The future viability of the campsite is now the icing on the cake thanks to this collaboration between LEG and the state. This will enable us to develop a modern, market-quality campsite for the decades to come.’
The planned structure combines public interests with the efficiency of private business. The district will not need to make any of its own investment, but will benefit from professional planning and long-term use of the area.
Photo above (left to right): Secretary of State Torsten Lang (MIBS), CEO Valentin Holzer (LEG Saar), district administrator Udo Recktenwald, CEO Mirco Bertucci (LEG Saar), Minister Jürgen Barke
