Stands for tourism research:
In its core areas of travel behavior, effects of travel (on society, economy and ecology) and strategic development (of destinations and institutions), the institute is the first point of contact throughout Germany. The institute conducts interdisciplinary research and bundles scientific competences of different disciplines under its roof. Thus, the research questions are comprehensively considered and classified.

Creates benefits:
By transferring its research results, the institute promotes the exchange between science, economy and society.  The knowledge gained also creates practical benefits for all economic sectors associated with tourism. Furthermore, the methods developed serve to improve the public's understanding of tourism phenomena and thus to develop tourism in a sustainable way.

Promotes future professionals:
Discussion and solution approaches of tourism issues are directly integrated into the teaching at the University of Applied Sciences West Coast. Thus, the students learn on a high scientific level using current and real examples.
 
Grown and proven itself:
The institute emerged from the Institute for Management and Tourism. Since its foundation in 2006, it has become the largest in-institute in tourism at a German university. This significance was taken into account by the rededication to the German Institute for Tourism Research in 2020. As head of the institute, Professor Dr. Bernd Eisenstein ensures the continuation of the successful work of the IMT, which he founded and managed.

Further information on the German Institute for Tourism Research can be found on the institute's own website.