25 September 2017. Tourism can be conceived of as the tourists' quest for paradise on earth. This is contrasted by the hosts' desire for a life like that of the tourists, which in their view is paradisical. The industry ministers to these desires by increasingly orchestrating fascinating nature, impressive culture and exciting encounters. Countless examples demonstrate, however, that sustainable tourism does indeed relieve poverty and protect nature and culture. But sustainable tourism begins with a glance at the dark sides and the potentials.

Switzerland, the Arab world and India
The first lecture will be given by Professor Norman Backhaus from the University of Zurich. On 2 October, he will answer questions as to whether there is a win-win situation between ecology and economy in the Swiss National Park. What tourism looks like in the Arab world, between terrorism and the fairy tales of a thousand and one nights will be shown by Professor Hans Hopfinger from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt on 16 October. Whether the Federal State of Kerala in India would be a model for sustainable tourism will be revealed in the lecture given by Professor Tatjana Thimm from HTWG Konstanz on 30 October.

Migration, Alps, slum tourism
"When tourism meets migration" – this is the topic that will be dealt with by Martina Backes from the 3rd World Information Centre in Freiburg on 13 November. On 27 November, Professor Bruno Abegg from the University of Innsbruck will show how a new geography of tourism is able to make tourism sustainable in the Alps, too. To conclude, Habilitated Lecturer Malte Steinbrink from Osnabrück University will speak about "Global Slumming". On 11 December, he will report on slum tourism in London, New York, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro and Windhoek.

Picture: Fotolia/malp