In conversation with Elke Roolvink, Gerald ten Thij, and alderman Jimme Nordkamp

In conversation with Elke Roolvink and Gerald ten Thij, we learn more about the developments at Tourist Info De Lutte-Losser. Elke is the director here, and Gerald is the chair of the board. Councillor Jimme Nordkamp also joins the conversation; as portfolio holder for Recreation & Tourism, he shares his vision on current developments. “Recreation & tourism is an important pillar for the municipality of Losser. With our beautiful countryside and attractive village centres, we attract thousands of visitors every year. It also contributes to a pleasant living and working environment for our residents and entrepreneurs. Together with many partners, we as a municipality focus on strengthening recreation and tourism. The developments at the Tourist Info also contribute to this in a future-proof way,” says councillor Jimme Nordkamp to open the conversation.

Elke and Gerald, what can you tell us about the developments at the Tourist Info?

“From folders to online inspiration and booking arrangements and activities. That is the development we are currently going through and in which we want to continue taking steps. Where the former VVV offices were purely focused on selling booklets and paper brochures, we now want to move towards an information point where experience, inspiration, and interaction with the region are central,” Elke explains. Gerald adds: “When I started here five years ago as chair of the board, we were just developing a new vision. It is great to see that we are now really rolling out that vision. The digital highway offers us countless opportunities, and we should make use of them. And if visitors come to Erve Boerrigter, the main location of the Tourist Info, they should not just leave with a route. No, they should leave with the feeling that there is so much to see and discover in the area.”

That is a big change—how did you arrive at these steps?

Elke: “We notice that the needs of our guests are changing. Tourists today prefer to easily book a route or treasure hunt via our website. It is then already arranged, and they just have to pick it up. Where people used to walk around the shop first, they now arrange things in advance. And if they do come to the shop, they want an experience. They want to hear stories and interact with the region. The website is really the foundation of our platform. Under the name Visit De Lutte – Losser we inspire and inform visitors. We are growing strongly on Facebook and Instagram and are investing in our content, aiming to reach new target groups and drive traffic to our website.”

And what will change concretely now?

“We are creating an inspiration point here at Erve Boerrigter in De Lutte. This place will soon offer a surprising overview of all the treasures and special experiences in the municipality of Losser in the field of tourism and recreation. With, for example, a digital inspiration table, storytelling walls with photos and texts, and a storytelling tree. This way, we turn the current shop into a place full of experiences and inspiration,” Gerald explains.

But isn’t the Tourist Info only focused on De Lutte?

“Definitely not!” Elke responds immediately. “We are actually turning the Tourist Info into a gateway to the ‘Treasure Chamber of Twente’. A place that invites visitors to explore the entire municipality. Traditionally, tourists mainly came to De Lutte and Beuningen, but we now also see them discovering Losser more often. And with the renewed Laga trail, it is even easier to cycle via Overdinkel and Glane to Gronau. The renewed Tourist Info is also not only for tourists—residents and entrepreneurs can use it to discover their own region as well.”

Speaking of entrepreneurs, how are they connected with you?

“Entrepreneurs can become members of the Tourist Info. We now have 150 members, all companies and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Together, we continue to develop what we can offer visitors. For example, the opening of the tourist season included an InstaMeet. Entrepreneurs received training on Instagram and went out together in the municipality. This creates connection and helps us better meet the needs of our target groups,” Gerald says. Elke adds: “We also work with entrepreneurs on product development, events, on-site information, and arrangements, such as the children’s treasure map, the tourist pass, and Happen & Tuffen. We also distribute information folders at around 80 locations, bringing information directly to entrepreneurs and visitors. A strong collaboration.”

How does the municipality of Losser contribute to this cooperation?

Councillor Nordkamp: “The Tourist Info is the implementing organisation for Recreation & Tourism and therefore a valuable partner. We support them financially and also share knowledge and expertise to jointly set a course towards our goals. We are very pleased with the renewed vision, which focuses not only on informing tourists but also on letting them experience what our municipality has to offer. Combined with the ambition to attract younger tourists and ensure that every village is included, this gives us confidence in the future. In addition to financial support, we also invest in village centres and accessibility, such as developments in De Lutte and the renewed Laga trail. We invest purposefully in recreation and tourism because it is an important pillar. Another ambition is to connect past and present to enhance our tourism appeal, for example through the Beken & Bleken project, restoring old waterways and connections between villages and the Dinkel valley. We also collect stories from local people and create new heritage information boards, working closely with organisations such as the Historical Society of Losser and the Historical Association De Dree Marken.”

And when can we expect the renewed Tourist Info?

“Our goal is to realise this in 2024. There is still a lot to be done, but once completed, the new Tourist Info will combine inspiration, interaction, retail, and experience—a starting point for every visitor,” says Elke.

Councillor Nordkamp, these developments must please you. “Of course. It is great to see the Tourist Info evolving. The new Tourist Info will be a place where the region is brought inside, with local identity at its core. A place full of images and interaction. Together we add value for entrepreneurs, visitors, and residents. We rely on many local partners, including the Centre Management Losser. We are proud of these collaborations and the high level of ambition,” the councillor concludes.

In this article you read more about one of the many treasures in the “Treasure Chamber of Twente”—treasures that may not always be obvious, but make the municipality of Losser a truly wonderful place to live, work, and recreate.

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