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Innovative students are shaping the future of Heidelberg Zoo!
Students at Heilbronn University are developing innovative solutions for Heidelberg Zoo as part of a project semester.
Innovative students are shaping the future of Heidelberg Zoo!
On June 30, 2025, students from Heilbronn University (HHN) presented their innovative solutions in the field of tourism management at Heidelberg Zoo. This happened as part of the “Project Tourism” course, led by Professor Yves Zimmermann and Thomas Pöschko, the zoo’s commercial director. The cooperation not only contributes to the practical training of the students, but also aims to increase the number of visitors and the zoo's environmental awareness.
A total of two project groups worked on tailor-made concepts. The first group examined the visitor profile and collected data on age groups, genders, visiting times and catchment areas. On the other hand, the second group designed an energy adventure trail that linked various elements of wind, water and solar energy. The students conducted interviews with over 400 guests and derived valuable recommendations for action for zoo and city marketing. These results caused great interest and were recently presented in Heidelberg, with the collaboration between the university and the zoo being seen as valuable. [idw-online] reports that both sides would like to continue the cooperation and topics for future projects are already being planned.
Tourism and sustainability in focus
An important aspect of the project is the sustainable orientation in tourism development. The master's program in “Sustainable Tourism Development” at Heilbronn University not only promotes academic training, but also ensures practical relevance through projects, guest lectures and excursions. With the planned new name “Tourism and Sustainability Management” from the winter semester of 2025/26, students should be even better prepared for the challenges in the tourism sector. As [hs-heilbronn] explains, the aim of this training is to train experts with interface skills for planning and sustainable development of tourist destinations.
This focus is particularly relevant because tourism has both positive and negative impacts on the environment and society. [Federal Environment Agency] emphasizes that taking environmental, social and economic dimensions into account is crucial in order to make the tourism sector sustainable. Concepts for measuring and evaluating sustainability in tourism are therefore essential in order to develop a high level of awareness of this topic.
In Heidelberg it is clear that the zoo not only impresses with animals, but also with a clear focus on education, biodiversity and sustainability. Over 15 species protection projects are actively supported there. Here the fun of experiencing nature is combined with a responsible use of resources and the environment.
Overall, the cooperation between Heilbronn University and Heidelberg Zoo is a successful example of the practical implementation of sustainable developments in the tourism sector, which has been well received and looks promising for the future.