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Great jubilation in the Ahr Valley: at the Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism Day on 4 December in the Steigenberger Kurhaus-Saal, two of the three prestigious awards of the Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism Prize 2025 went to the traditional pleasure and holiday region. The Lindner family's private hotel Villa Aurora was named "Host of the Year", while the culinary initiative "Taste the Ahr Valley" by Ahrtal-Tourismus was honoured as "Project of the Year". "What a great day for tourism in the Ahr Valley! The double award is a strong signal that we are on the right track together - with courage, quality, hospitality and, above all, solidarity," said a delighted Andreas Lambeck, Managing Director of Ahrtal-Tourismus.
A total of 40 applications were submitted to the competition, nine projects were nominated and three winners were ultimately selected. The prizes were presented by Stefan Zindler, Managing Director of Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, and Daniela Schmitt, Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Economic Affairs and patron of the competition. "Tourism is an indispensable part of our economy and our quality of life in Rhineland-Palatinate," emphasised Schmitt. "With the Tourism Award, we are honouring businesses that use creativity and drive to create experiences and strengthen our regions. I would like to congratulate this year's winners and thank all those who passionately contribute to the further development of our tourism landscape."
Christian and Clarissa Lindner's private hotel Villa Aurora in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler impressed the jury with its competition entry "Resilient. Regional. Sustainable." According to the jury, the traditional hotel, which has been in family hands for four generations, stands for genuine hospitality, modern comforts and a clear focus on sustainability and regionality. The extraordinary resilience of the host family after the flood disaster in 2021 was particularly emphasised. With great perseverance and entrepreneurial courage, the Lindner family has opened a new chapter in the opinion of the jury. "This award means an incredible amount to us," said Christian Lindner at the award ceremony. "It not only honours our work, but also the entire region, which demonstrates strength, passion and future spirit together every day."
"Taste the Ahr Valley - a culinary discovery tour" honours the new gastronomy campaign launched by Ahr Valley Tourism in spring - a special combination of culinary delights, community and regional enjoyment. In February and March, restaurants and wineries in the Ahr Valley offer creative 3-course menus at attractive prices - an offer that attracts both locals and guests. According to the jury, the project not only creates special moments of enjoyment, but also strengthens the local hospitality industry at a time of year when capacity utilisation is low. "'Try Ahrtal' is a symbol of new beginnings, diversity and hospitality," says Andreas Lambeck, Managing Director of Ahrtal Tourismus. "We want to show how much culinary power and joie de vivre there is in our region." He thanked all the hosts who are involved in the campaign and all the partners who helped to set up and market the campaign last winter in a very short space of time: "This is what working together looks like!"
Incidentally, "Taste the Ahr Valley" will enter its second round in February and March 2026. Information is available at ahrtal.de/probier-mal-ahrtal
