together networked future-oriented.

The tourism industry in the Sauerland is and remains an important economic factor, has a lasting impact on the region and offers a diverse, attractive working environment. It is therefore not without reason that many people have deliberately chosen to work in tourism. In order to bring together the numerous young protagonists from the region in particular, the second edition of the Sauerland Tourism Barcamp has now taken place with more than 50 participants under the motto "together.networked.future-oriented". at the Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences in Meschede.

"We are delighted that so many young players from the industry responded to our call to network and make new contacts," says Rouven Soyka, press spokesman for Sauerland Tourism. "The Barcamp format with its informal structure and lack of strict guidelines provides the perfect setting for this." In 45-minute sessions, participants had the opportunity to expand their knowledge, take part in discussions and share their views on sometimes tricky issues relating to topics such as sustainability, digitalization, social media and work-life balance.

The special thing about the Barcamp principle is that at the start of the event, participants were able to suggest topics they would like to discuss themselves. "It was possible to offer a session yourself as well as 'just' join in the discussion," explains Stephan Britten, consultant for location policy, innovation and the environment at IHK Arnsberg and co-organizer of the event. "Thanks to the many young, committed personalities from the hospitality and tourism industry, there was a creative exchange to strengthen the Sauerland tourism region."

"For us, the event provides important insights into the hot topics of tourism practice. This gives us new impetus for our courses because we can see which topics are close to the hearts of young people," adds Prof. Dr. Susanne Leder from Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences. All participants act as equals. Between the sessions and during the joint lunch break, there was always the opportunity to network and continue discussions.

The 2nd edition of the Sauerland Tourism Barcamp was organized by Sauerland Tourism, the Siegen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Arnsberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Südwestfalen Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Hagen and the Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences. The Veltins Brewery, as a further partner, provided the participants with refreshing drinks from its range during and after the event and thus helped to give the event a young flair.

Contact for the press:
Rouven Soyka, Sauerland-Tourismus e. V.
Johannes-Hummel-Weg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg
Tel.: 02974-969830, e-mail: presse@sauerland.com