Five years of applied tourism research: FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences celebrates anniversary of the German Institute for Tourism Research and seals cooperation with the Deutscher Tourismusverband
Two reasons to celebrate at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences: the German Institute for Tourism Research (DI Tourismusforschung) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a ceremony – and signed a cooperation agreement with the German Tourism Association (DTV).
DI Tourismusforschung was founded on June 12, 2020 as an in-house institute of the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences and has since established itself as a central player for applied tourism research in Germany. It emerged from the Institute for Management and Tourism (IMT), which was established in 2006, and was given permanent staffing and funding by a resolution of the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament in 2018. The aim was and is to strengthen tourism research with a national and partly international focus where tourism is an important economic factor – on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein.
Today, 20 university members and five external fellows work at the institute and conduct practical research in the three main areas of travel behavior, the social, ecological and economic effects of travel and the strategic development of tourism offers. Over the past five years, the Institute has produced more than 80 scientific publications and has also given more than 120 presentations at events.
“I am very grateful to be working with a competent and highly committed team on topics that are equally relevant to society, business and science. Tourism affects us all – as travelers, as locals, as decision-makers. Applied tourism research, as we understand and practice it, helps us to better understand and positively shape the complex ‘tourism system’,” says Prof. Dr. Bernd Eisenstein, Director of DI Tourismusforschung.
Research with appeal and practical relevance
Through numerous regional, national and international projects, the institute has built up a strong network with partners from the field – including the German Tourism Association, with which it has been cooperating closely for several years. Among other things, studies on tourism acceptance and quality of life in tourist regions have been carried out jointly. A central concern is to focus not only on guests, but also on the perspective of the locals.
DI Tourismusforschung and the DTV also work closely together on issues relating to sustainable tourism development, such as the development of criteria for measuring tourism success beyond overnight stays. The cooperation agreement that has now been signed formally confirms and expands this collaboration. Among other things, new research projects are planned as well as a stronger link to teaching – from which students at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences will also benefit directly, especially in the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs “International Tourism Management”.
“It’s great to be able to celebrate the anniversary of DI Tourismusforschung with a cooperation agreement,” says Reinhard Meyer, President of the Deutscher Tourismusverband. “This cooperation is formally overdue, because the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences and the DTV have been working together closely and trustingly for years. We would like to congratulate the institute on its 5th birthday and look forward to a continued fruitful partnership.”
A ceremony with insights into the future
The DI Tourismusforschung welcomed guests from politics, business and science to the anniversary celebrations in the foyer of the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences. In addition to classifying the importance of practical research for Germany as a tourism location, the Institute’s team placed a special focus on presenting selected project highlights – from digitalization and tourism acceptance to sustainability – and discussing them with the guests.
Prof. Dr. Anja Wollesen, President of the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences, took stock of a success story in her welcoming address:
“The German Institute for Tourism Research is much more than a lighthouse project – it is a real centerpiece of our university, which impresses with its scientific excellence, practical relevance and social relevance. For the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences, this not only means a strong profile, but also lived responsibility for the region and beyond. I am proud of the dedicated team and very pleased that we can open a new chapter with this cooperation.”
Looking ahead
Applied tourism research will remain the central concern of the institute in the future. The focus remains on socially relevant topics such as digitalization, climate change and sustainability. Particular attention is paid to the transfer of scientific knowledge to politics, business and society as well as the promotion of young scientists. The close involvement of students in research projects ensures that knowledge transfer is active and practical.