Innovative solutions are needed to meet the challenges of rapidly growing cities. In the resulting Smart Cities, the optimization of traffic flow impaired by parking search traffic is a central area of research. Like cities, regions with a strong focus on tourism also face such challenges. This study analyses parking behaviour and traffic perceptions on the German island of Sylt, a remarkably dense tourism hotspot. The analysis draws on a large-scale online survey encompassing residents and tourists alike. The final dataset enabled a differentiated analysis of seasonal perceptions, parking difficulties, and information needs. Results show substantial differences between residents and tourists regarding perceived congestion, parking-related stress, and typical search durations. Across groups, respondents expressed strong interest in digital parking information systems, especially real-time availability and location guidance. Significant relationships between local knowledge, visit frequency, age, and the willingness to adopt such systems are revealed. The findings provide empirically grounded implications for smart parking strategies and mobility planning in tourism regions, highlighting the potential of digital parking guidance and information systems to mitigate congestion and improve user experience.