During the semester Rethinking Tourism Destinations (RTD) at NHL Stenden, second-year Tourism Management students work on real-world challenges from the industry. For example, students developed a gamified app for the Rothaarsteig project by Sauerland Tourismus e.V., the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the Sauerland region. Using mini-games, rewards, and awareness features, they encourage visitors to behave more sustainably. Other teams work on AR experiences, smart visitor flow management, and future scenarios for tourism destinations.
Learning by doing
Students are not given a fixed assignment, but an open question. For instance: how can a region develop in balance with residents, visitors, businesses, and nature? Together with their team, students decide how to approach and shape their solution. In this semester, students mainly learn by doing. They conduct research in real-world contexts, work in multidisciplinary teams, and tackle complex challenges without one single correct answer. In doing so, they gradually develop their skills in analysis, creative thinking, and translating insights into concrete concepts.
Diverse solutions, real impact
Each group works on its own solution. The learning experience is always the same: thinking and working as a future-oriented professional. By testing, improving, and collaborating with real clients, students grow into their role within the field.
