Contribution to an anthology
Year of publication: 2020
Authors:Christian Eilzer, Rebekka Weis
Properties of the cities
A fairly uniform picture emerges when assessing the characteristics of the cities. The characteristics liveable, hospitable, lovable and typical of the region are among the top 5 characteristics for all three cities. The fifth characteristic in the top 5 is “quiet” for Meldorf and “attractive” for Deidesheim and Bad Essen. From the residents’ point of view, the characteristics on which the Cittaslow idea is based are thus perceived as predominantly positive. However, not all properties have the highest approval ratings, for example the criterion “low barrie” is rated on a 5-point scale (scale from 1 = “not at all true” to 5 = “fully true”) with mean values of 2.9 to 3.2.
The role of tourism
From the residents’ point of view, tourism is seen as an important factor in all three towns. The statements “tourism is important for the city”, “I find it enriching that guests visit the city” and “the retail trade benefits from tourism” received the highest level of approval in all three locations. When comparing the results, it should be borne in mind that tourism is much more pronounced in Deidesheim than in Bad Essen and Meldorf. A comparison of the towns shows individual significant deviations between Deidesheim and the other two towns for individual statements. Agreement with the statements “I find it enriching that guests visit the town”, “the retail trade benefits from tourism” and “tourism has a positive influence on the quality of life” is slightly but significantly lower in Deidesheim than in the other two towns. Deidesheim residents also agree slightly more strongly with the statement “I feel disturbed by tourism” (2.2) than residents in Bad Essen (1.7) and Meldorf (1.4). Overall, however, approval of criteria that imply negative impacts of tourism or demand restrictions on tourism is at a low level in all locations. Critical signs of congestion are therefore not perceived by residents, for example.
The study focused on the role of tourism, the characteristics and personalities of the three selected Cittaslow cities, the importance of and satisfaction with various aspects, awareness of the Cittaslow initiative and the effects of membership of Cittaslow Germany. The increasing discussion about overtourism and frequent calls for more targeted development and control of tourism were one of the reasons for this study. According to the aims of the Cittaslow movement, Cittaslow towns should be "liveable" and developed with a view to shaping a sustainable future while preserving regional identities. The criteria underlying the Cittaslow movement were the basis for the development of the study's questionnaire. This study made it possible to collect demand-side market research data on topics such as "Cittaslow awareness", "tourism awareness" and "living conditions" of the inhabitants, which had often been lacking until now. The three Cittaslow cities of Bad Essen, Deidesheim and Meldorf were selected for the study, in which tourism is considered to be of a certain importance as a building block of development. The CATI ad hoc telephone surveys of residents were conducted between 12.06. and 27.06.2017. The sample size amounted to a total of 788 respondents.
Overall, the study shows a high level of satisfaction among residents with their quality of life. Tourism in the towns is also rated positively overall, as is the towns' membership of the Cittaslow Germany association, which 29% of respondents perceive as improving the quality of life across all towns on average. The study also reveals wishes and suggestions for the further development of the towns from the residents' perspective.
The study not only offers new insights for integration into the "Sustainability" or "Destination Management" specializations of the "International Tourism Management" course at FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences, but also opens up further research approaches, for example for Bachelor's and Master's theses by students at FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences.
Download the study "Cittaslow resident survey "Download the brochure "Tourism and quality of life in Cittaslow towns"
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