"Due to a strong bond or relationship between the two of them"
New CEO Takes the Reins at Erfurt Egapark
As of Monday, August 2025, Bettina Franke has assumed the role of CEO at the Erfurt Egapark, a unique area monument nationwide. Franke, a landscape architect with a personal connection to the park, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position.
In her previous role, Franke completed an internship and co-developed the Egapark as the overall project manager for the exhibition concept during the Federal Garden Show 2021. Her familiarity with the park's balance sheets and her passion for the Egapark, evident in her fondness for the rose garden and the Karl-Förster-Garden, make her a strong fit for the position.
Franke inherits a park that has seen a surge in visitors this year, with 220,000 visitors, which was around 20,000 more than planned. However, these numbers are far from enough to offset the deficit. The city utilities are currently contributing six million euros per year to the Erfurt Egapark.
To address this issue, Franke must develop new ideas to attract more visitors. The park's need for more visitors to offset annual cost increases is a common challenge faced by CEOs in leisure and excursion operations. Franke's experience in co-developing the park during the Federal Garden Show 2021 may provide valuable insights in this regard.
The Egapark, a major leisure and excursion park, employs 74 people. One of the park's most popular attractions is the Two-Zone Climate House Danakil, which has exceeded its visitor expectations. Marc Mittelbach, the animal keeper at the Two-Zone Climate House Danakil, plays a crucial role in maintaining the park's animal exhibits.
In addition to attracting more visitors, Franke may also need to address other challenges. For instance, the city of Erfurt is considering a night driving ban for mowing robots due to potential danger to small animals.
For the latest updates on the new CEO's agenda and plans for the Erfurt Egapark, we recommend visiting the park's official website or checking local news sources in Thuringia, Germany. Franke's appointment comes at a critical time for the park, and her leadership is eagerly anticipated by the community and the park's staff.
Bettina Franke, in her role as the new CEO of Erfurt Egapark, aims to develop new strategies to increase visitor numbers, a common challenge faced by CEOs in leisure and excursion operations, as she was instrumental in the park's transformation during the Federal Garden Show 2021. With her love for the park, evident in her fondness for the rose garden and the Karl-Förster-Garden, Franke aspires to create a lifestyle that not only appeals to visitors but also integrates home-and-garden elements to make the Egapark a beloved gathering space.
