SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 8, 2025 - DZG Urges Chancellor-Designate Merz: Put the Hospitality Sector at the Cabinet Table
Thinktank calls for creation of a State Minister for Tourism and Hospitality directly in the Chancellery
As coalition negotiations between CDU/CSU and SPD enter their final stretch, the Denkfabrik Zukunft der Gastwelt (DZG) is calling for a major structural shift in how the German government approaches one of its most vital economic sectors. In a recent letter to Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz, DZG has proposed the creation of a new coordinating position—a State Minister for Tourism and Hospitality—to be placed directly in the Federal Chancellery.
A major sector, underrepresented politically
The hospitality sector, which includes tourism, hospitality, foodservice, and leisure industries, employs more than six million people and contributes over 11% to Germany’s gross domestic product. Yet, it remains, according to DZG, politically underrepresented.
Dr. Marcel Klinge, Chairman of the DZG Board, emphasized the urgency of giving the industry the political weight it deserves. “If Friedrich Merz wants to concentrate more responsibility for cross-cutting issues in the Chancellery and is considering establishing a State Minister for Sports there, now is the right time to also give tourism and the hospitality sector the political attention they deserve,” Klinge stated.
Strengthening coordination for future challenges
The DZG critiques the current approach—namely, the role of a Tourism Commissioner—as lacking real political clout. With the industry facing major challenges such as workforce shortages, a backlog of investments, and the pressure of digital and sustainable transformation, a more effective coordination is urgently needed.
“A State Minister in the Chancellery would fulfill exactly this role and significantly improve interdepartmental collaboration. That would be a win-win situation for everyone,” said the former Bundestag member.
An essential part of German society
Beyond economics, the hospitality sector holds deep societal relevance. The DZG points out that it serves as a social hub, a critical employer, and a vital asset to over 11,000 municipalities across Germany.
“As an employer, a place of social interaction, and a location factor for more than 11,000 communities, the hospitality sector is systemically relevant—and it must be treated as such in political terms,” the letter to Merz reads.
“With the coalition negotiations nearing their conclusion and ministerial portfolios soon to be allocated, now is the time to initiate this structural reform,” the DZG emphasized in its appeal.
About the DZG
Founded in 2021, the Denkfabrik Zukunft der Gastwelt (DZG) is a thinktank that brings together political leaders, industry associations, and top-tier representatives from across all value creation sectors of the tourism, hospitality, and foodservice industries. Members include prominent names such as Radeberger Gruppe, Deutsche Bahn, Unilever Food, Motel One, Transgourmet, Metro, Center Parcs, Dorint, Bioland, Dussmann, NordCap, Best Reisen, FlixBus, Rational, and Gerolsteiner.
Together, these member companies employ over 670,000 people across every region in Germany. The DZG focuses on strategic future-oriented topics such as workforce development, sustainability, digital transformation, and food system change. It also develops practical measures for more effective crisis management.
For more information, visit www.zukunft-gastwelt.de
The Time for Change is Now
With Germany poised for a new legislative period and government structure, the DZG is making a clear case: the hospitality sector cannot be sidelined any longer. A State Minister in the Chancellery would signal a new era of political recognition and strategic focus—exactly what the sector needs to thrive in the years ahead.
Call to Action:
Learn more about the DZG’s vision and explore their initiatives for the future of hospitality at www.zukunft-gastwelt.de.