EHL Blog Insights
Driving Resilience in Swiss Tourism: Data Smart Innovation for SMEs
Innovation
Hospitality
Tourism
Strategy
The Smart Destination initiative in Vaud empowers destination management organizations and their partners through data-driven innovation and a digital platform. Supported by Innotour, the project will deliver an extensive dashboard that enables visitor data analytics, real-time tourist flow insights, and optimized operations. This scalable smart tourism model enhances destination management, fosters resilience, and strengthens sustainable tourism development in the region.
Start & End Date
01.10.2024 - 31.05.2026
Main Applicant
Didier Miéville, Nyon Region Tourisme
Partner
• Davy Jansegers, Lausanne Tourisme
• Christopher Meignier, Blent
• Inversini, A., , EHL Hospitality Business School
• Chen, M.-M., EHL Hospitality Business School
External Funding
Innotour
This project aims to help tourism regions become more adaptive and competitive by using data-driven tools and smart innovation. Initiated in collaboration with Nyon Région Tourisme, Blent, and EHL Hospitality Business School, the project developed a prototype dashboard to collect and visualize key data such as real-time visitor flows, accommodation occupancy, and seasonality trends.
By aggregating tourism data on a shared digital platform, the project promotes greater collaboration between stakeholders, more effective destination management, and improved sustainability across the value chain. With Lausanne Tourisme joining the second phase, the tool is now being tested for scalability and regional adaptation. An independent Swiss foundation, HCommunity, has been created to transform hospitality into a thriving, inclusive community. By centralizing high-quality data, the foundation empowers professionals with real-time insights that fuel smarter decisions, reveal untapped opportunities, and inspires sustainable growth for all.
Ultimately, the Smart Destination project contributes to the transformation of Swiss tourism into a more resilient, intelligent, and inclusive ecosystem — where decisions are guided by data and innovation benefits all players.
Through the Flagship Resilient Tourism Project, supported by Innosuisse and in collaboration with Canton Vaud’s economic and innovation promotion services, EHL Hospitality Business School has been leading a coaching program for SMEs in the Vaud region. This initiative equips businesses with digital tools and innovative data processes to empower local tourism stakeholders with the resources to optimize operations and develop resilient strategies.
Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL. She teaches hotel distribution, online consumer behavior, and digital marketing, and previously worked across various tourism sectors.
Dr. Inversini is an expert in digital communication with international academic experience and industry engagement, including as Managing Director of ticinoinfo SA.
Amélie Keller coordinates the Flagship Resilient Tourism initiative, manages regional coaching programs, and advises on digital transformation. She holds a Master’s in International Tourism.
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