Soziale und gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen des Tourismus in Hamburg: Eine Langzeitbetrachtung urbaner Dynamiken

The study examines the social and societal effects of tourism in Hamburg using a mixed-methods approach that combines historical analyses, expert interviews (n=10), a survey of the tourism industry (n=301) and a representative population survey (n=1,002). The results show a largely positive perception: 62 % of tourism stakeholders and 61 % of the general population rate the effects of tourism as predominantly beneficial. In addition, 87 % of both groups rate Hamburg’s welcoming culture as good. Historical analyses show a positive attitude towards tourists since the founding of the tourism association in 1899, interrupted only by concerns about price increases in the 1920s. The growing number of visitors reflects Hamburg’s attractiveness: overnight stays rose from 4.9 million (2000) to 15.4 million (2019), then plummeted to 6.9 million due to the pandemic and recovered to 14.7 million by 2022. However, the study also identifies challenges: In heavily frequented districts such as St. Pauli and the Schanzenviertel, tourism leads to superficiality in the interaction between locals and tourists, as well as to socio-spatial tensions and displacement processes. Here, 35 % of tourism stakeholders criticise the insufficient consideration of the interests of locals. To promote sustainable tourism development, the study recommends participatory planning approaches, alternative tourism areas and digital visitor management systems. In addition, the promotion of authentic intercultural encounters should strengthen the welcoming culture and contribute to positive coexistence. These findings provide a good basis for developing socially responsible tourism in Hamburg.