Integrating humanistic needs into tourism in Alsace: organizational and territorial strategies for sustainable development[Intégration des besoins humanistes dans le tourisme alsacien : stratégies organisationnelles et territoriales pour un développement durable]

This study provides an examination of citizen participation processes and human mediation embedded in tourism strategies in Alsace, through the lens of sustainable development and territorial humanism. The research aims to explore how these mechanisms contribute to social inclusion, community cohesion, and collective well-being in tourist areas. The methodology is based on a mixed qualitative approach. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with institutional stakeholders, including tourism offices and local authorities, as well as members of associations and residents involved in participatory initiatives. It also included an analysis of strategic documents produced by Alsace Destination Tourisme and regional sustainable development plans. In addition, field observation was conducted across three pilot sites—a rural area, an urban area, and a cross-border area—using an analytical matrix based on Goldman's thematic model (2005). The data were thematically analyzed using NVivo to identify the factors fostering inclusion, dialogue, and social impact. The findings show that citizen engagement, when supported by mediation processes and inclusive communication, has a measurable impact on social cohesion. It leads to better local integration of tourism projects and reduces conflicts between residents and tourists. It also supports a wider range of tourism offerings, such as soft mobility, solidarity-based itineraries, and responsible accommodation, which emerge from co-construction with local communities. Moreover, it strengthens the sense of identity and territorial belonging, which is considered a key factor in long-term sustainability. However, the analysis also highlights several constraints, including uneven levels of participation between rural and urban areas. Overall, the integration of humanistic needs into Alsatian tourism appears to be an effective lever for sustainable development, provided that human mediation is institutionalized and the social outcomes of projects are systematically assessed. This research opens up new perspectives for designing a more ethical and inclusive model of tourism governance, based on shared responsibility among public, private, and citizen stakeholders.