A delegation from Botho University in Botswana visits DHBW Lörrach – cooperation in sustainable tourism takes shape.
(BZ). The Cooperative State University of Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) Lörrach had guests who had come a long way: Prorector Gerhard Jäger and the team of the Business Administration Tourism course received a five-person delegation from the Botho University in Botswana in Southern Africa. They discussed sustainable tourism projects and wish to intensify cooperation in this area.
The aim of the project, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, is to offer courses on the subject of sustainable tourism in the tourism courses of the two universities. The courses are to be delivered online by teaching staff from both universities and be an integral part of the curriculum in Botswana and Lörrach. It was, according to the DHBW in a press release, “an intensive and extremely productive week” with the representatives of Botswana, a country which is heavily dependent on tourism, in particular because of its rich animal population.
Workshops were held on developing curriculum content and formats, selecting e-learning tools, and common assignments for students. The workshops were supported by the Education Support Center (ESC) of DHBW Lörrach, which provided valuable suggestions for the success of the project. In another workshop, the International Office laid the foundations for all faculties of DHBW Lörrach to exchange students and employees.
During excursions to Freiburg, the Botho delegation had the opportunity to obtain first-hand information on the dual system from important dual tourism partners such as the “Tourism Competence Center in the Black Forest” and the ” Stadthotel” in Freiburg. She got a taste of the tourism industry in the Black Forest during a visit to the Feldberg, where guests also saw snow for the first time.
At the final meeting, which took place in Simonswald, the reactions showed, the statement continued, “that everyone learned a lot from each other and had a very eventful time”. Course director Valentin Weislämle is very convinced of the cooperation: “This joint working week has shown us how useful it is to design joint courses organized on all continents. The future of tourism depends on a common understanding of sustainability and this can only be achieved in close cooperation, starting with education.
Wendy Fehlner, teacher at the tourism course in Lörrach and responsible for guiding the visit to Botswana, thanked everyone involved: “What particularly stood out this week was not only the cooperation with our partners Botho internationally, but also the excellent cooperation within the DHBW.” She praised the fact that the Rectorate, the International Office, the Education Support Center and, last but not least, the thoughtful organization of the catering by the canteen team had all contributed to making this visit very pleasant and fruitful for all.