E-destination: the future of e-mobility in the Lake Constance region, Germany

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the development of a vision for the Lake Constance region, Germany, as an e-destination, i.e. a destination where tourism mobility would be predominantly electric in the future. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a scenario analysis based on factor analysis in addition to empirical data collected in 2016 and 2017 based on surveys and interviews with tourists and stakeholders. Findings – The scenarios contain the optimistic, pessimistic and realistic models, including one scenario called e-destination, i.e. a projection of the future where tourism mobility consists predominantly of electro-mobility (e-mobility). This specific scenario is supported by the results of the empirical data. Research limitations/implications – As the study focusses on e-mobility only, it leaves out other forms of mobility e.g. pedestrian or cycling mobility that also contribute to CO2 reduction. The sampling methods are not strictly randomised, but the tendencies they show are clear and supporting each other. Practical implications – According to the tourists and stakeholders interviewed, it is quite likely that the region will become an e-destination in the future, but only with government support. Social implications – The attitude-behaviour-gap was discussed as a possible explanation of tourists’ behaviour in the study. Originality/value – Studies on e-mobility in tourism are rare. (As far as the author knows) this paper presents the first analysis of the future of e-mobility in tourism using a German lake as a destination. Thus, it adds to the existing body of knowledge different possible projections of the future regarding e-mobility in a tourism destination.

Keywords

• scenario analysis
• sustainable tourism
• e-mobility
• lake constance region
• mobility turn
• tourism mobility