Tourism2030 - Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland<table id="folderfile_list" style="float: left;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<td class="checkin" style="text-align: left;"><a href="/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/biospharengebiet-schwabische-alb">Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb</a></td>
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<td class="title-column"><a href="/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/biospharenreservat-bliesgau">Biosphärenreservat Bliesgau</a></td>
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<td class="title-column"><a href="/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/celle">Celle</a></td>
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<td class="title-column"><a href="/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/nordeifel">Nordeifel</a></td>
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<td class="title-column"><a href="/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/nordseeinsel-juist">Nordseeinsel Juist</a></td>
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<p><br /></p>
<p> </p>2018-11-20T07:57:58Ztag:destinet.eu,2018-11-20:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschlandhttps://destinet.eu/misc_/EnviroWindows/Site.gifECOTRANSTourism2030Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Albtag:destinet.eu,2018-08-16:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/biospharengebiet-schwabische-alb2018-08-16T13:05:58ZdumitvalDiegoNunez<p><a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland"><img style="width: 120px; height: 58px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; float: left;" src="/images/bild1.jpg" width="120" height="58" /></a>Winner of the <a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland">Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen</a> 2016/17</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" width="768px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><strong>Good Practice Innovation Sheet</strong></td>
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<td colspan="5"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" src="/images/swabianalb-srradfahreinstreuobst.jpg" width="400" height="300" /></td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Items</strong></em></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><em><strong>Description</strong></em></td>
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><em style="font-size: small;"><strong>1. WHO</strong></em></td>
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<td rowspan="3" width="121"><em style="font-size: x-small;">Key people and organisations (initiator, leader, partners)</em></td>
<td colspan="4">Center of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve in Münsingen-Auingen (Baden-Württemberg/ Germany)</td>
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<td colspan="4"> </td>
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<td colspan="4"> </td>
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<td rowspan="2" width="121"><em>Key Figures</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Surface</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Inhabitants</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism arrivals</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism nights</td>
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<td> <br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>2. WHY - 3. HOW</strong></em></td>
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<td width="121">
<p><em>Reason for taking the good practice action/ Issues and challenge</em></p>
<p><em>Methods /steps / tools used (to develop the good practice)</em></p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p><strong>Conservation of nature and the environment</strong></p>
In the biosphere region, green tourism development is a priority. This is achieved through a carefully crafted blend of visitor management, tourism stakeholder engagement, development of sustainable tourism services and a quality visitor experience. For example, as part of last year’s projects, the network of hiking trails was consolidated, 31 top trails were upgraded, nine thematic cycle tours were developed and additional opportunities for naturewatching were created. On principle, only sustainable, eco-friendly amenities are advertised through the biosphere media. In addition, clearly defined quality standards apply to hiking, cycling, the culinary offer and nature-watching. Green visitor mobility is another priority in the biosphere. A Biosphere Bus has been introduced, several leisure buses are now equipped with cycle trailers and the leisure network has improved. With a view to improving local public transport, a survey of certified Biosphere Partners was conducted and the findings are now being acted upon. Additional local public transport is provided for major events and this has resulted in new services being integrated into the regular timetable.</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>4. RESULT</strong></em></td>
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<td width="121"><em>Specific/measurable results, benefits</em></td>
<td colspan="4" rowspan="2">
<p>Winner of the Federal Competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany (2016/2017)</p>
</td>
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<td><em>Recognitions (e.g. awards)</em></td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>5. REFLECTION</strong></em></td>
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<td width="121">
<p><em>Specific /measurable results, benefits</em></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p><strong>Regional awareness of sustainability issues</strong></p>
<p>Numerous tourism stakeholders were involved in securing UNESCO recognition for the biosphere. More than 200 people participated in preparing the framework document in various forums and more than 1500 citizens contributed their ideas on the region’s sustainable development.</p>
<p>UNESCO status initiated a dynamic process which is reflected in a multitude of regional initiatives. Since then, more than 200 sustainable development projects have been launched, almost half of which consisted of investment in the tourism sector.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Quality and sustainability: the perfect partnership</strong></p>
<p>In the biosphere region, new product development is always guided by the principle: “More quality, more conservation of biodiversity, more regional value added”. With the targeted involvement of local product marketers, hotels and restaurants, new ideas and attractive offers for tourists are developed and implemented. For example, two rural districts worked with the tourism, hiking and nature conservation organisations to redesign all the hiking trails in and around the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. This project is now being implemented. Certified Biosphere Partners offer a guest-oriented experience of nature combined with high quality standards. Currently, more than 100 businesses are recognised as Partners in the biosphere region. Strict criteria apply, including at least one energy efficiency or environmental consultation for small businesses and certification in environmental protection for large businesses, and all Partner hotels have introduced the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), the strictest of its kind in Europe.</p>
<p>Local restaurateurs have joined together to launch the Biosphere Hosts association, in order to underscore their connection with this unique cultural landscape and their passion for their work. Their guests can enjoy speciality products typical of the Swabian Alb – spelt, lentils, juices from the region’s extensive meadow orchards, and quality wines and spirits in creative compositions – or simply relax in tastefully furnished accommodation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Category: Regionality</strong></p>
<p>Creating new experiences from well-preserved heritage – this is one of the successes achieved by Swabian Alb tourism stakeholders. Cultural identity is a key factor here and is embedded as a strategic element of the framework document for the biosphere region. All its cultural offers must meet specific quality standards in order to be marketed to tourists. Regional events,leading-edge projects and the Partner scheme all help to foster ideas and initiatives that are rooted in culture and heritage, forging a strong common identity for local communities.</p>
</td>
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<td width="121">
<p><em>Lessons learned, </em></p>
<p><em>Challenges met,</em></p>
<p><em>Critical success factors</em></p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p> The Biosphere Reserve is a good example of how tourism can work as a driver of sustainable development across the entire area.</p>
<p>The closure of the Münsingen military training ground initiated a conversion process which, with the creation of the Biosphere Reserve, has led to a consistent focus on sustainability throughout the region and an image upgrade par excellence.</p>
<p>As a result of the developments over recent years, “quality of life” and “identity” are well-established as</p>
<p>selling points, with sustainability as the core element.</p>
<p>A wide range of tourism service providers, local producers and tourism organisations are working together towards shared goals. Consistent networking creates synergies and a sense of community identity. The common denominator of quality and sustainability leads to high-standard products and services which evoke positive emotions.</p>
</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>6. MORE </strong></em></td>
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<td width="121"><em>web-references, documents</em></td>
<td colspan="4">
<p>The text above has been taken from the Report “Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany”: <a href="https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf">https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf</a></p>
<p>Lighthouse project: Hofgut Hopfenburg Holiday Resort <a href="https://www.hofgut-hopfenburg.de">https://www.hofgut-hopfenburg.de</a></p>
<p>National tourism marketing: <a href="http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/biosphere-reserves/unesco-swabian-alb-biosphere.html">http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/biosphere-reserves/<strong>unesco-swabian-alb-biosphere</strong>.html</a></p>
Contact for further information: <strong><a href="http://biosphaerengebiet-alb.de">http://biosphaerengebiet-alb.de</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>Biosphärenreservat Bliesgautag:destinet.eu,2018-08-16:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/biospharenreservat-bliesgau2018-08-16T13:03:45ZdumitvalDiegoNunez<p><a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland"><img style="width: 120px; height: 58px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; float: left;" src="/images/bild1.jpg" width="120" height="58" /></a></p>
<p> <br /></p>
<p>Finalist of the <a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland">Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen</a> 2016/17</p>
<table border="1" width="768px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><strong>Good Practice Innovation Sheet</strong></td>
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<td colspan="5"><img style="width: 400px; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" src="/images/bliesgau-kauze.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Items</strong></em></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><em><strong>Description</strong></em></td>
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><em style="font-size: small;"><strong>1. WHO</strong></em></td>
</tr>
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<td rowspan="3" width="121"><em style="font-size: x-small;">Key people and organisations (initiator, leader, partners)</em></td>
<td colspan="4"> Saarpfalz-Tourism Organisation and Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve Administration in Homburg (Saarland/ Germany)</td>
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<td colspan="4"> </td>
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<td colspan="4"> </td>
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<td rowspan="2" width="121"><em>Key Figures</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Surface</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Inhabitants</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism arrivals</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism nights</td>
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<td> 337 km²<br /></td>
<td> 110,000</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>2. WHY - 3. HOW</strong></em></td>
</tr>
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<td width="121">
<p><em>Reason for taking the good practice action/ Issues and challenge</em></p>
<p><em>Methods /steps / tools used (to develop the good practice)</em></p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p><strong>Biodiversity and outdoor experience </strong></p>
<p>The destination as a whole is protected as a biosphere reserve. Destination managers support a variety of projects whose aim is to protect ecosystems, such as the development of the European Culture Park Bliesbruck-Reinheim, an archaeological park and open-air museum on the French-German border, and work by tourism sector Partner enterprises in a meadow orchard. There is a strong regional commitment to offering an experience of biodiversity. Certified nature and landscape guides run regular tours of interest to visitors keen to find out more about aspects of the landscape. A range of tourism offers focusing on the biosphere, nature and environmental education, a calendar of events dedicated to species diversity and project-specific visitor management systems guarantee a high-quality holiday experience close to nature.</p>
</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>4. RESULT</strong></em></td>
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<td width="121"><em>Specific/measurable results, benefits</em></td>
<td colspan="4" rowspan="2">
<p>Finalist of the Federal Competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany (2016/2017)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><em>Recognitions (e.g. awards)</em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>5. REFLECTION</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="121">
<p><em>Lessons learned, </em></p>
<p><em>Challenges met,</em></p>
<p><em>Critical success factors<br /></em></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p><strong>Commitment to sustainable tourism</strong></p>
<p>Sustainable tourism has featured as a strategic element of the region’s tourism policy, with specific targets, since 2011. The region has consistently pursued a sustainable development pathway since then. For example, in 2016, Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve was assessed by the international Green Destinations initiative and was included in the Global Top 100 Sustainable Destinations. All of its certified sustainable tourism businesses are included on the Green Travel Map Germany. Starting this year, the Biosphere Reserve is participating in the process for Saarland’s certification as a sustainable destination.</p>
<p><strong>Promoting networking</strong></p>
<p>Stakeholder networking facilitates joint and coordinated tourism engagement. The Biosphere Association and Saarpfalz-Touristik share office premises and have thus established a close working relationship, consulting each other on all major projects and programmes. Networking also takes place in a variety of forums with Saarland’s destination marketing organisation and nature conservation associations. Biosphere Reserve Partners are drivers of sustainable tourism development in the region and offer added value for guests and customers. Every Partner acts as an Ambassador for the Biosphere Reserve concept, provides quality and a high level of service, promotes environmental conservation and sustainability and is committed to regional engagement.</p>
<p><strong>The sustainability offer</strong></p>
<p>Starting in 2016, nature tourism offers are designed with reference to the DTV’s Sustainable Development Criteria for German Tourism Destinations. In developing the tourism offer, efforts are made to prioritise businesses which have joined the Partner initiative. The region’s tourist attractions should be accessible to everyone. The Barrier-Free Tourism in Saarland project therefore develops amenities, such as the accessible hiking trail in Kirkel and Netzwerk Hören (Hearing Network), for people with disabilities.</p>
<p><strong>Green mobility</strong></p>
<p>The Biosphere Reserve makes it easy for guests to leave the car at home. With the Saarland Card, launched in April 2017, overnight guests benefit from free bus and rail travel throughout the region and enjoy free entry to more than 60 attractions. The region has joined Destination Nature (Fahrtziel Natur – a sustainable mobility scheme involving Germany Railways and major environmental organisations) and is committed to green mobility at the local level. For example, the Biosphere Bus won a Fahrtziel Natur Award in 2014 as a model of good practice in the Sustainable Mobility category.</p>
</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>6. MORE </strong></em></td>
</tr>
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<td width="121"><em>web-references, documents</em></td>
<td colspan="4">
<p>The text above has been taken from the Report “Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany”: <a href="https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf">https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf</a></p>
<p>Lighthouse project: WaldKultUrlaub <a href="https://www.saarpfalz-touristik.de">https://www.saarpfalz-touristik.de</a></p>
<p>National marketing:<a href="http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/biosphere-reserves/bliesgau-unesco-biosphere-reserve.html">http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/biosphere-reserves/bliesgau-unesco-biosphere-reserve.html</a></p>
<p>Contact for further information: <a href="http://www.biosphaere-bliesgau.eu">http://www.biosphaere-bliesgau.eu</a><a href="http://www.biosphaere-bliesgau.eu"></a></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>Celletag:destinet.eu,2018-04-09:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/celle2018-04-09T04:55:07ZdumitvalDiegoNunez<p><a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland"><img src="/images/bild1.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 58px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; float: left;" width="120" height="58" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Finalist of the <a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland">Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen</a> 2016/17</p>Nordseeinsel Juisttag:destinet.eu,2018-05-03:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/nordseeinsel-juist2018-05-03T04:09:55ZdumitvalDiegoNunez<p><a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland"><img src="/images/bild1.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 58px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; float: left;" width="120" height="58" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Finalist of the <a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland">Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen</a> 2016/17</p>Nordeifeltag:destinet.eu,2018-08-16:/good-practices/good-practice-browser/nominees-and-winners-awards/good-practices-2017/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-deutschland/nordeifel2018-08-16T13:04:42ZdumitvalDiegoNunez<p><a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland"><img style="width: 120px; height: 58px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; float: left;" src="/images/bild1.jpg" width="120" height="58" /></a>Finalist of the <a href="/who-who/market-solutions/certificates/awards/bundeswettbewerb-nachhaltige-tourismusdestinationen-in-deutschland" title="Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestinationen in Deutschland">Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen</a> 2016/17</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" width="768px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><strong>Good Practice Innovation Sheet</strong></td>
</tr>
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<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><img style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px; vertical-align: undefined;" src="/images/nordeifel.jpg-1" width="300" height="200" /></td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Items</strong></em></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><em><strong>Description</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><em style="font-size: small;"><strong>1. WHO</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="3" width="121"><em style="font-size: x-small;">Key people and organisations (initiator, leader, partners)</em></td>
<td colspan="4">North Eifel Tourism Organisation in Kall (Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" width="121"><em>Key Figures</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Surface</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Inhabitants</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism arrivals</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Tourism nights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 337 km²<br /></td>
<td> 110,000</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>2. WHY - 3. HOW</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="121">
<p><em>Reason for taking the good practice action/ Issues and challenge</em></p>
<p><em>Methods /steps / tools used (to develop the good practice)</em></p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p><strong>CATEGORY: SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY</strong></p>
<p>In recent years, the mobility offer for tourists has greatly improved as a result of substantial stakeholder engagement. New local public transport links have been established and demand-responsive schemes, such as taxibus services and share taxis, have been consolidated and the provision of hire stations for cycles and pedelecs (pedal electric cycles) expanded. Bus connections to the fully accessible Wild Kermeter area for experiencing nature and, since 2017, the Eifelsteig hiking bus are new additions. Day visitors, overnights guests based at one location but also long-distance hikers are equally attracted by the new offer. Another scheme designed for tourists is the GuestCard. It enables guests who have booked overnight accommodation with participating businesses to use local public transport free of charge within the Rhein-Sieg and other networks and also benefit from discounts and/or additional services currently provided by more than 30 tourism partners.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>4. RESULT</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="121"><em>Specific/measurable results, benefits</em></td>
<td colspan="4" rowspan="2">
<p>Finalist of the Federal Competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany (2016/2017)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><em>Recognitions (e.g. awards)</em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>5. REFLECTION</strong></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="121">
<p><em>Lessons learned, </em></p>
<p><em>Challenges met,</em></p>
<p><em>Critical success factors<br /></em></p>
<p> </p>
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<p><strong>Sustainable tourism planning</strong></p>
<p>Working closely with tourism industry partners, destination managers have pursued a variety of strategies in recent years in order to develop the North Eifel as a sustainable tourism region. The tourism infrastructure has been continuously upgraded in order to meet target groups’ demand for a very special experience of nature. For example, premium hiking trails have been created, such as the Eifelsteig and the fully accessible Wild Kermeter area for experiencing nature. The Eifel National Park also attracts visitors with an interest in the nocturnal, for the region has been awarded official Dark Sky Park status – only the second in Germany – and offers guided night-time nature walks and star-gazing. Some hosts have volunteered for “starfriendly” status, which means that they are responsive to the requests and needs of guests taking part in evening or night-time tourism activities.</p>
<p><strong>Protecting and experiencing nature</strong></p>
When it comes to tourism, the North Eifel’s outstanding natural beauty and landscape are its capital assets. Tourism service providers are aware of this and design their offers accordingly. For example, the EifelNaturReisen (Eifel Nature Travel) scheme enables visitors to book new and unconventional experiences of nature in the region. All the offers have been carefully selected in accordance with clearly
<p>defined quality criteria. The region has many years of experience in working in close partnership with nature conservation stakeholders. This collaboration always produces new and exciting offers, such as Eifel trekking, which gives guests the exclusive opportunity to camp at specially selected sites in the midst of nature. The precise locations are kept under wraps until a booking has been made.</p>
<p><strong>Partner networks</strong></p>
<p>Various Partner networks ensure the provision of ecofriendly tourism services with a strong regional connection. The network of National Park Hosts has existed since the Eifel National Park was first established. In order to qualify for the scheme, Hosts must fulfil various optional and mandatory criteria, focusing on quality and sustainability. All the Partner businesses feel a special commitment to the Eifel National Park’s mission statement and have introduced their own sustainable management practices.</p>
<p>Products and services sold under the EIFEL regional brand stand for certified quality. Hosts can also display the brand label: a yellow “e”. However, this is only awarded to businesses that have a transparent, proven and audited commitment to quality and regionality. All the participating businesses are conscious of their responsibility to the Eifel natural space and are committed to honouring their quality pledge. The KlimaTour Eifel (Eifel Climate Tour) network is actively engaged in protecting the climate, showcasing businesses with a small carbon footprint and featuring specific tourism offers; guests can also calculate the climate footprint for their own visit.</p>
<p><strong>Stakeholder training</strong></p>
Providing training and upskilling for tourism businesses is another focus of activity. For example, every year, Nordeifel Tourismus GmbH offers six days of consultations for tourism service providers wishing to grow their business and make them fit for the future. Zu Gast in der eigenen Heimat (Guest at Home Activity Day), introduced in 2014, is designed with local residents in mind, giving them insights into their local tourism industry. The North Eifel NeTWorking event was first held in 2015 and helps to improve networking among tourism service providers.</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-size: small;" colspan="5"><em><strong>6. MORE </strong></em></td>
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<td width="121"><em>web-references, documents</em></td>
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<p>The text above has been taken from the Report “Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany”: <a href="https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf">https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf</a></p>
<p>Lighthouse project: Cycle and Hike Railway Stations <a href="http://www.radundwanderbahnhoefe-eifel.de">radundwanderbahnhoefe-eifel.de</a></p>
<p>National marketing:<a href="http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/eifel-national-park.html">http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/eifel-national-park.html</a></p>
<p>More information about the North Eifel: <a href="http://www.nordeifel-tourismus.de/en/startseite">http://www.nordeifel-tourismus.de/en/startseite</a></p>
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