Juist, Germany, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its innovative approach to guest participation in tourism development.

As tourism is the island’s primary economic driver, Juist aimed to ensure long-term sustainability by actively involving its guests - mostly domestic visitors - in shaping tourism strategies. 

Between 2014 and 2022, Juist launched the Guest Parliament, a unique advisory body made up of ten volunteer tourists selected via a lottery. Meeting annually on the island, the parliament offered insights and feedback that led to tangible outcomes, such as waste reduction initiatives, renewable energy use, and nature conservation programmes involving both tourists and locals.

Although the Guest Parliament was discontinued in 2022 due to tensions with residents and differing expectations, the inclusive spirit it fostered continues to guide Juist’s tourism strategy. The destination still engages guests through surveys, informal conversations, and sustainability-focused events like children’s universities and flea markets. Additionally, daily communication via the Juistpost newsletter further reinforces visitor involvement.

This participatory model strengthened tourists’ connection to Juist and earned the island national recognition as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible destination.

Juist’s experience demonstrates the potential and challenges of direct visitor involvement in tourism planning and offers valuable lessons in balancing stakeholder expectations while fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism development. 

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 #Stakeholder engagement #Community engagement #Innovation in tourism #Tourism development #Waste reduction #Renewable electricity