Black Forest Tourism
Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Germany's Black Forest region, operating a multilingual digital platform, the SchwarzwaldCard (200+ attractions), KONUS guest transit card, and an AI chatbot to promote tourism and drive bookings across 150 communities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersFreiburg, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Black Forest Tourism does
Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, operating commercially as Black Forest Tourism and Visit Black Forest, is the official regional Destination Marketing Organization for the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in southwest Germany. Headquartered in Freiburg and founded in 2006, it promotes an 11,100 km² vacation region spanning from Pforzheim to Lörrach and from the Rhine to Villingen-Schwenningen, including the 1,493-meter Feldberg peak in the south. The organization is structured as a private German GmbH with 11–50 employees and serves leisure travelers across multiple segments — families, outdoor enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and increasingly remote workers — through a multilingual digital platform (German, English, Dutch) and a network of partner touchpoints.
The product portfolio centers on three core platforms: the SchwarzwaldCard, which aggregates free or discounted access to over 200 regional attractions; the KONUS-Gästekarte, a free public-transport guest card accepted across approximately 150 Black Forest communities; and the schwarzwald-tourismus.info website, which provides destination content, trip planning, and booking. Supporting offerings include Frag' Schwarzwaldmarie (a branded AI chatbot assistant), Schwarzwaldradio (the official vacation radio with nationwide DAB+ distribution plus web and app), SchwarzwaldTALER (a loyalty/bonus point system), gift vouchers, and seasonal initiatives such as Coolcation and Workation. The technology stack is described as a tourism promotion and destination marketing platform with no disclosed proprietary ML, APIs, or SDKs.
The business model is funded through a subscription/recurring stream consisting of membership fees, partner contributions, and regional tourism initiatives rather than direct consumer transactions. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; commercial engagement occurs via customized partnership packages. Distribution combines direct digital channels (website, newsletter, social media, podcast) with partner channels including Holidu (official booking partner) and Lohospo (official booking service), supplemented by physical guest materials. The organization coordinates with a large premium- and pool-tier commercial partner ecosystem — anchored by Europa-Park, Sparkasse Freiburg, Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu, Original Landreisen, and regional Chambers of Commerce (IHKs) — rather than competing as a transactional travel agency.
Black Forest Tourism firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Black Forest Tourism
- Legal name
- Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH
- Website
- https://schwarzwald-tourismus.info
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Germany's Black Forest region, operating a multilingual digital platform, the SchwarzwaldCard (200+ attractions), KONUS guest transit card, and an AI chatbot to promote tourism and drive bookings across 150 communities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Black Forest Tourism industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Regional Destination Marketing
- NAICS
- Convention and Visitors Bureaus (561591), Tour Operators (561520)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Eco-Tours & Sustainable Nature Travel (THAJAIAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA)
Keywords
Where Black Forest Tourism is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Freiburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Black Forest Tourism business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Regional Tourism Promotion: Organization promoting the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region as a tourism destination. Funded through membership fees, partnership contributions, and regional tourism initiatives.
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Black Forest Tourism product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH operates as the official regional destination marketing organization for the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region in southwestern Germany. It runs a multilingual digital tourism portal (schwarzwald-tourismus.info) that aggregates destination content and provides booking tools, and sells region-wide tourism services including the SchwarzwaldCard (free entry to 200+ attractions), the KONUS-Gästekarte (free public transportation for guests in ~150 towns), gift vouchers, and themed travel initiatives.
Product overview
Black Forest Tourism (Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH) operates a comprehensive tourism portal for the Black Forest vacation region in southwestern Germany. The primary offering is the digital platform at schwarzwald-tourismus.info, which provides visitors with a unified interface to discover, plan, and book travel experiences. The product portfolio centers on the SchwarzwaldCard (regional attraction pass), KONUS-Gästekarte (free public transit guest card), and Frag' Schwarzwaldmarie (AI chatbot assistant). Supporting offerings include Schwarzwaldradio (vacation radio), SchwarzwaldTALER (loyalty points), gift vouchers, and seasonal initiatives like Coolcation and Workation. The platform integrates booking capabilities, destination information, and visitor services through its website and partner network.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Schwarzwaldradio: Official holiday radio for the Schwarzwald vacation region, broadcasting Classic Hits & Super Oldies
- SchwarzwaldCard
- KONUS Gästekarte
- SchwarzwaldTALER
- Schwarzwald Gutschein
- Schwarzwalduhr des Jahres
Products and services
- SchwarzwaldCard
Companies that use Black Forest Tourism
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Black Forest Tourism technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Black Forest Tourism partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered premium and pool.
- Europa-Park Erlebnis ResortpremiumFlagship premium partner. Europa-Park is Germany's largest amusement park located at the gates of the Black Forest, featuring 15 European-themed areas and the Rulantica water world.
- Alpirsbacher KlosterbräupremiumPremium partner and independent family brewery producing beer specialties in the heart of the Black Forest, operated in fourth generation by Carl Glauner.
- Schwarzwald Winzer (Alde Gott)premiumPremium partner - wine cooperative located on the slopes of the Black Forest along the Baden Wine Route, producing wines and brandies.
- HolidupremiumOfficial booking partner providing online marketing and booking services for Black Forest accommodations, based in Offenburg.
- SchwarzwaldradiopremiumOfficial vacation radio for the Black Forest region, broadcasting across DAB+ in Germany and worldwide via web and app, featuring classic hits and Super Oldies with tourism content.
- Original Landreisen AGpremiumOfficial tour operator and incoming agency for the Black Forest, developing and marketing experiences and travel packages.
- Sparkasse FreiburgpremiumPremium partner representing the Sparkasse financial group, supporting tourism promotion in the Freiburg region.
- Peterstaler Mineralquellen GmbHpremiumPremium partner - mineral water source from the depths of the Black Forest, multiple award winner including Öko-Test 'sehr gut' ratings.
- Schwarzwaldmilch GmbH FreiburgpremiumPremium partner - dairy company producing fresh, Bio-certified, and regional milk products from the Black Forest region.
- Fürstlich Fürstenbergische BrauereipoolBrewery at the edge of the Black Forest in Donaueschingen, known for characteristic beers of the South.
- Schwarzwälder Bote Mediengesellschaft mbHpoolRegional news media organization with 14 business offices and 17 local editorial offices covering the Black Forest region.
- AVS GmbH (Abrechnungs- und Verwaltungs-Systeme)poolSoftware service provider from Bayreuth developing and operating digital guest and customer loyalty systems, specializing in tourism card platforms and visitor management.
- Rombach & Haas - SchwarzwalduhrenmanufakturpoolBlack Forest clock manufacturer founded in 1894 in Schonach, producing traditional and modern cuckoo clocks, winner of Schwarzwalduhr des Jahres 2021.
- Feingeistbrennerei FiespoolArtisan distillery in Oberkirch-Ringelbach producing fruit brandies and liqueurs for over 60 years, offering insights into distilling traditions.
- Konfitürenmanufaktur Faller GmbHpoolJam manufacturer in Utzenfeld producing 50 varieties of fruit preserves cooked in open copper kettles with 60% fruit content.
- OBB Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik GmbHpoolPremium bedding manufacturer since 1900 in Lörrach, producing down and feather bedding products under Black Forest and Schwarzwald brand names.
- Merida Centurion Germany GmbHpoolGerman distributor for Merida and Centurion international bicycle brands, headquartered in Magstadt near Stuttgart.
- Lohospo GmbHpremiumOfficial booking service for Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, providing online marketing for Black Forest vacation accommodations including booking hotline.
- Schwarzwald Hn8 Schlafsysteme GmbHpoolPremium mattress and box spring bed manufacturer based in Haslach im Kinzigtal, formerly known as Hukla Matratzen GmbH until 2015.
- Badeparadies SchwarzwaldpoolMajor water park attraction in Titisee-Neustadt offering wellness and water-based experiences.
- Vitra CampuspoolDesign museum and campus in Weil am Rhein featuring architecture and design exhibitions.
- Calamus ArealpoolRecreation complex in Kehl featuring Sensapolis and Cala-Race water activities.
- Industrie- und Handelskammern (IHKs) im SchwarzwaldpremiumChamber of commerce partners supporting tourism businesses through consulting, advocacy, training, and the 'Wir sind Schwarzwald!' campaign.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Black Forest Tourism competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Black Forest Tourism social profiles
Digital presenceBlack Forest Tourism compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Black Forest Tourism financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Black Forest Tourism leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Black Forest Tourism funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Black Forest Tourism M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Black Forest Tourism
What does Black Forest Tourism do?
Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH operates as the official regional destination marketing organization for the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region in southwestern Germany. It runs a multilingual digital tourism portal (schwarzwald-tourismus.info) that aggregates destination content and provides booking tools, and sells region-wide tourism services including the SchwarzwaldCard (free entry to 200+ attractions), the KONUS-Gästekarte (free public transportation for guests in ~150 towns), gift vouchers, and themed travel initiatives.
Is Black Forest Tourism a public or private company?
Black Forest Tourism is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Black Forest Tourism founded?
Black Forest Tourism was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Black Forest Tourism based?
Black Forest Tourism is headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Black Forest Tourism make money?
One revenue line is on record: regional Tourism Promotion.
Does Black Forest Tourism have an API?
No public API is recorded for Black Forest Tourism.
What industry is Black Forest Tourism in?
Black Forest Tourism's product category is Regional Destination Marketing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJAIAD, Eco-Tours & Sustainable Nature Travel, with a secondary code of THAJAIAA, National Park & Protected Area Tours. Its NAICS code is 561591 and its SIC code is 7900.