In addition to major events like 'Sail Bremerhaven' (the international festival of windjammers), and sports highlights from the world of ballroom dancing, basketball and ice hockey, more than 1.2 million visitors are drawn to this seaside city by other attractions such as the German Maritime Museum, the German Emigration Centre, the municipal theatre, Schaufenster Fischereihafen with its gourmet restaurants, and the unique Zoo am Meer. Tourism has thus become an important factor for Bremerhaven's economy in recent years.

Promoting tourism is one of the core responsibilities of BIS, as is the operative tourist business. These activities are concentrated on continuously improving the quality of life for visitors and local residents alike, and on sharpening the profile of the city's leisure industry. Current projects include the preparation of 'Sail Bremerhaven 2010', the 'Old/New Harbour' development project, including the 'Climate House', and the construction of a modern new complex combining a Congress Centre and 4-star hotel.

Bremerhaven has a unique range of leisure attractions based on maritime themes. BIS lays the foundations so that Bremerhaven can continue developing as an attractive tourist centre that also generates economic success.