The participation process for the integrated tourism strategy on Sylt addresses existing tensions between economic interests, environmental and nature conservation, and the needs of local residents. High visitor numbers, rising living costs, and increasing conflicts over space and use stand in contrast to the island’s strong economic dependence on tourism. The aim of the process is to systematically capture these challenges and collaboratively develop viable solutions.
In a multi-phase, dialogue-oriented approach, different perspectives are brought together, exchanged, and further developed. Low-threshold and inclusive formats enable broad participation from relevant stakeholder groups.
The process is designed to be iterative and is structured around a series of interlinked stages, each with a clear purpose. It begins with the development of a thematic map, in which key issues, areas of conflict and perspectives are initially identified in a broad yet structured manner. The topics for the map are gathered and refined through, amongst other things, a digital survey of local councillors, a face-to-face dialogue session and an open online consultation.
In the subsequent in-depth phase, these themes are further developed in focus groups with target-group-specific expertise, as well as in local groups representing local perspectives. Finally, a panel of randomly selected citizens meets. They weigh up conflicting objectives and develop prioritised, public-interest-oriented recommendations for the tourism strategy.
Click here to visit the Projectwebsite
Duration: 04/2026-10/2026
Client: Sylt Marketing GmbH
Team: Katharina Fender (Project manager), Carlo Thomsen
Project partner: Claudine Nierth