Germany/Tenerife: The Industry Mourns the Loss of Prof. Dr. Heinz Rico Scherrieb (1948-2022)

The leisure and tourism industry has lost a pioneer and visionary. On 25 March 2022, Prof. Dr. Heinz Rico Scherrieb, who had already been living and working on Tenerife for several years, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 73.

In addition to his teaching activities, the German leisure and tourism researcher founded the VDFU (German Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) as early as 1978, together with a number of leisure park owners and industry companions. He headed the German association VDFU for many years, whose founding managing director he was. As the owner of the Würzburg-based Institute for Tourism and Leisure Research, Prof. Heinz Rico Scherrieb was not only entrusted with the management of the VDFU. About ten years later, he recognised the trend that was emerging in the waterpark, pool and spa sector and was instrumental in founding the European Waterpark Association e.V. (EWA). After many years of consulting and teaching in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, he decided to refocus his work-life balance and went to Tenerife, from where he was a sought-after discussion partner for the leisure and tourism industry in Europe as an industry expert and consultant until the end. The industry and EAP Magazine mourn the loss of an industry pioneer and great networker. (eap)