Framework Plan Feldberg 2020

Every year, more than a million visitors come to the Black Forest in search of nature, sport and recreation. However, as the intensity of use increases, so does the potential for conflict between tourism and nature conservation. One of the challenges facing the region is the increasing volume of traffic caused by the arrival and departure of visitors. The Institute for Outdoor Sport and Environmental Research at the German Sport University Cologne was commissioned to develop a framework for the development of the area to ensure sustainable and successful long-term development of the region. The concept supports responsible decision-makers and stakeholders in the region in developing a system of objectives and concrete strategies. The aim is to shape the entire sustainable development process in cooperation with politicians, administrators, civil society and stakeholders. The work focuses on transport, snowmaking, infrastructure, service and product development.

A baseline survey has been carried out to collect data on the natural environment, infrastructure, catering, accommodation and sports tourism facilities. A detailed expert report is being prepared to provide an overview of the economic importance of tourism. Various research methods, such as visitor and traffic counts or drone flights, provide precise results on current traffic volumes. In addition to the number of overnight and day visitors and data on tourists' spending patterns, the induced turnover and value added by tourism will be determined. The data collection makes it clear that tourism on the Feldberg has an important social function in addition to its central economic function. It creates a large number of jobs in the secondary sector of the economy and thus provides a livelihood for the local population. It is therefore essential to further develop the performance and competitiveness of the region.
The development of the guiding principles and development goals takes place through stakeholder interviews, workshops and meetings. The so-called "Feldberg Round Table" is made up of representatives of the affected districts, municipalities, specialist authorities and associations, as well as citizens. Extensive surveys of guests, citizens and service providers also make an important contribution to the sustainable development of the Feldberg sports tourism region. The results of the surveys of the various interest groups sometimes serve as a basis for further development measures.
The objectives developed jointly, such as qualitative product development, destination management, visitor guidance and traffic management systems, are defined in the mission statement. The subsequent concrete recommendations for action and projects are now being collectively implemented.