Lower Saxony, Germany, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its proactive, research-based strategy to address the impacts of climate change on tourism.

As one of Germany’s most diverse federal states - with both coastal and rural areas - tourism plays a vital economic role, contributing 4.5% to the region’s GDP and accounting for 8% of all jobs. In 2023, the state recorded approximately 45.7 million overnight stays. However, rising sea levels and extreme weather events linked to climate change threaten the region’s tourism assets, while the topic remains abstract for many residents and businesses.

To address this, Lower Saxony became the first German federal state to implement a project focused on climate change adaptation in tourism. Launched in 2021 by the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and the state government, the initiative was supported by four scientific institutions and included vulnerability assessments, stakeholder dialogues, and the development practical tools tailored to local needs. These tools are publicly accessible via a dedicated website and include the "Adaptation Compass" (a practical guide), "Ideas Exchange" (a collection of successful measures), and "Navigation Aid" (funding information). 

Extensive stakeholder engagement included 15 events, surveys, and advisory meetings. The initiative led to concrete follow-up activities, such as funding applications for a drinking water project and the “Nordsee Reisepass”, a coastal tourism promotion initiative.

Lower Saxony case demonstrates how DMOs can effectively integrate climate adaptation into their strategies, using regional networks and practical tools to turn a complex challenge into coordinated, long-term action.

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Climate action #Stakeholder engagement