Jong, Niels (2025) How can public policy better support flood resilience in the tourism sector in Friesland? Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation in the Netherlands, putting inland regions such as Friesland at risk of flooding. Coastal regions and islands in Friesland are likewise at risk for flooding, but additionally as well from the sea. As a key economic sector in the Netherlands, tourism is in these areas highly exposed to the risks of climate change, but still often marginalised in adaptation strategies. This study investigates how public policy can more effectively support flood resilience within Friesland’s tourism sector, focusing on the alignment of governance structures, local implementation, and sector engagement. Drawing on a qualitative mixed-methods approach, the research combines a literature review, policy document analysis, and seven semi-structured interviews with policymakers and tourism consultants across Friesland. The findings of the research reveal relatively weak integration of tourism in flood adaptation policies and inconsistent local implementation of national frameworks in the municipalities. Decision-making is restricted by several institutional barriers such as unclear mandates, fragmented responsibilities, and limited municipal capacity. further linked and identified with theories including Institutional Theory, Policy Integration Theory, Norm Activation Theory, and the Multi-Layered Governance Theory. Furthermore, tourism entrepreneurs seem to underestimate the urgency of future climate risks. Cross-sector coordination remains ad hoc and insufficient. The thesis highlights the need for stronger public-private coordination, clearer mandates, and targeted support to strengthen flood resilience in the tourism sector. It contributes to climate governance by applying a region-specific analysis to identify actionable policy gaps and institutional reforms.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Huiskes, M.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2025 10:47 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2025 10:47 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/678 |
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