36 Futouris Strategy Conference in Duisburg

The Futouris Strategy Conference is an important annual gathering for our member companies to discuss current challenges in tourism, exchange experiences, and jointly develop new solutions. This year, we were hosted by schauinsland-reisen in Duisburg. The focus was on how sustainability considerations can be integrated even more deeply into tourism practices, as well as on generating new ideas for regenerative approaches in tourism and the use of artificial intelligence.

Reducing Air Travel Emissions

Following a thematic introduction by Wolfgang Strasdas, participants turned their attention to existing Futouris tools such as the Travel Emissions Tracker and the SAF Guide. The subsequent discussion in an interview format was particularly valuable: Our member companies openly shared what works well in practice and where challenges still lie in implementation. It is precisely this honest exchange that defines the Futouris community.

From Concept to Application

Working in workshop groups, the participants then developed strategies for putting existing tools and instruments into practice more effectively. The goal was to further develop existing solutions and make them easier to apply in everyday tourism operations.

Regenerative Approaches in Tourism

Another key focus was on how regenerative approaches in tourism can be understood and incorporated into practice. Ulf Sonntag from the NIT Institute for Tourism and Spa Research in Northern Europe and Andreas Koch from tourythm provided food for thought on various perspectives and developments in the field of regenerative tourism through their interactive keynote presentation.

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability Aspects in Tourism

What opportunities does artificial intelligence offer when addressing sustainability aspects in tourism? Ronja Geißendörfer from Fraunhofer IAO addressed this question in her keynote presentation. She highlighted various areas of application in which AI can support businesses and destinations.

Building on this, the participants collaboratively developed ideas for specific applications and discussed opportunities, challenges, and framework conditions for the future use of the technology.

Exchange, New Perspectives, and Joint Initiatives

In addition to the technical discussions, the strategy conference also provided an opportunity for personal interactions. During a guided tour of Duisburg’s inner harbor, participants gained insights into the structural changes and development of the harbor area. A group barbecue at schauinsland-reisen rounded out the day with lively conversations and an opportunity for further exchange.

The strategy conference once again demonstrated how valuable collaboration within the Futouris community is: diverse perspectives, shared practical experiences, and open discussions lay the foundation for new ideas, joint projects, and further collaborations.

A heartfelt thank you goes to schauinsland-reisen for their hospitality and excellent organization, as well as to all Futouris members and speakers for their insights, the engaged discussions, and the open exchange. Armed with many new ideas, food for thought, and starting points, we are now embarking on our next steps together.