Dirk is professor for sustainable tourism management at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany. After studying social work in Cologne and Saarbrücken, he finished a master (diploma) of social sciences at the University of Wuppertal, Germany. Additionally, he holds a phd in tourism from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand and tertiary teaching certificate from the University of Canberra, Australia. His research and publications comprise a number of topics linked to sustainable development in tourism such as ethics, corporate social responsibility, climate change, wildlife, business networks and destination image. He also worked as a scientific expert for different EU commissions like the European Tourism Indicator System for destinations, the European Destination of Excellence award and the European Capital of Smart Tourism award. Throughout his life, Dirk has worked in a great variety of jobs including as a caretaker in elderly homes, a truck driver, a manager of a backpacker or a tourism consultant. He is also an active board member of the NGO Refugee Help Central America. As a university lecturer, he was employed at the University of Otago, New Zealand the University of Canberra, Australia the University of Tasmania, Australia the Cologne Business School, Germany and the University of Kleve, Germany. He has also taught in a number of different countries like Indonesia, El Salvador, Thailand and the Netherlands.

Research & Publications