The title of the tourism degree course at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences – “International Tourism Management” – already gives it away: the tourism industry is becoming increasingly international and imparting knowledge about foreign markets is a fundamental part of teaching at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences. In order to meet the increasing demand for market research data on foreign markets in practice and teaching, the German Institute for Tourism Research is also increasingly focusing on research projects abroad. The Institute works closely with UAS partner universities abroad, which have joined forces in the International Competence Network of Tourism Research and Education(ICNT). In terms of content, the focus is on researching destination brands. To this end, surveys have been conducted since 2018 in a total of nine key foreign markets (Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, the UK, China and the USA). In addition to this large-scale project, current international issues are also addressed on a situational basis. For example, at the beginning of 2017, in cooperation with the GNTB, the vacation travel plans of the British were examined against the backdrop of the approaching Brexit. In May 2020, a comparative survey was conducted in Germany, Norway and Finland on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel plans and perceptions of safety when traveling. In addition to the analysis of destination brands from an international perspective, current issues such as Brexit and COVID-19 will be addressed as part of various non-commissioned studies. The results enrich the internationally oriented ITM study program.
West Coast University of Applied Sciences
German Institute for Tourism Research
Fritz-Thiedemann-Ring 20
25746 Heide
