Back to Upper Lusatia

Prof. Stolz-Römmermann, it’s great to have you back at HSZG. What ties you to this university?

I began my academic career at HSZG and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management here. Since the 2024–2025 winter semester, I have been teaching in the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies in the field of Tourism Management. I was born in Berlin. I spent my school years in Upper Lusatia. Before starting my studies, I completed a business apprenticeship in Munich and spent some time backpacking around the world.

What key milestones have shaped your academic career so far?

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at HSZG, I continued my academic career with a master’s degree in Transportation Economics at TU Dresden. I then worked there as a research assistant at the Chair of Marketing and earned my PhD thesis titled “Further Perspectives on Customer Education—Theories, Empirical Findings, and Implications.” In addition to my academic work, I was self-employed as a consultant for sustainable tourism and regional development. Later, I took on a professorship in Tourism Management at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. Since October 1, 2024, I have been back at the HSZG, contributing my experience from research, practice, and teaching.

What motivated you to pursue a career in academia?

The mix of teaching, project work, and research opportunities is simply great. I find it exciting to find solutions to existing challenges—often together with students and colleagues in interdisciplinary contexts—and then to have the opportunity to critically examine these solutions and test their transferability using appropriate methods.

What motivated you to return to Upper Lusatia and the HSZG?

At HSZG, I have the opportunity to teach small and medium-sized groups of students. This has the advantage that I know all the students personally, which makes competency-based teaching with interactive methods possible. In our department, field trips are, of course, particularly well-suited. I’ve just returned from a field trip with students to Carinthia on the topic of “slow tourism.” These are truly good teaching conditions. Upper Lusatia is also an attractive place for me to live. I like its location in the border triangle, and in my free time I enjoy cycling—the region is ideal for that.

What are your main responsibilities at HSZG, and what is your current main focus?

Tourism is a very diverse and cross-sectoral economic activity. Our graduates manage and market tourist destinations, organize trips and events, or work, for example, in tourism policy or for public transportation agencies. I try to play a part in helping them develop their skills so that they can work responsibly and successfully in these exciting fields. I focus on this in courses such as Destination Management, International Tourism, and Tourism Marketing. Once I’ve settled in a bit more at HSZG and in Upper Lusatia, I look forward to collaborating on projects with tourism stakeholders in the region—and I’d be happy to expand beyond regional borders as well.

What are you currently researching most intensively? Are there any topics that are particularly important to you personally?

Sustainable tourism development is particularly close to my heart. The industry is directly dependent on sustainable development. Take environmental impact, for example: on the one hand, the tourism industry is a contributor to it, yet at the same time, an intact natural environment is crucial for the guest experience—and thus for visitor numbers and economic success.

How do you structure your teaching to inspire your students?

I design my teaching to be output- —not input- . It’s important to me to explore relevant topics together with the students through interactive teaching formats. Key components include field trips, gaming-based approaches (where colorful balls sometimes fly through the seminar room to illustrate management concepts), real-world examples, and guest lectures.

What advice would you give to students interested in a research career in your field? What should they keep in mind?

In addition to methodological and theoretical training, we as tourism professionals must explore the world. Travel and take everything in with an open mind. Get to know different cultures. Talk to people. Ask yourself: What can we learn from other regions and their tourism activities?

Do you have any tips or information for students when things get stressful during their daily studies and exam periods?

I’m a morning person, and during exam periods I always set my alarm very early. That way, I could still do something enjoyable around noon. But of course, this approach doesn’t work for everyone.

How do you manage the balancing act between work, family, and free time?

My husband and I are a really good team, so even with two children, my demanding job is quite manageable. In our free time, we usually spend time together as a family and often go out into nature with friends.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that perhaps not everyone knows about?

I’m a mom with a professional occupation—so I’d say, with a wink, that I don’t really have to think much about hobbies right now. But my biggest hobby is and always will be traveling, and that works wonderfully with the family.

Is there a TV show or movie you especially enjoy watching?

I highly recommend the movie “Interstellar.”

Do you have a favorite dish that you just can’t resist?

I really love pizza—preferably right there in Italy.

The interview was conducted by the Office of University development and communication, University of Applied Sciences Human Resources Division.