Tourism

Technology

How to Become a Smart Destination and Boost Tourism Through Data and Innovation?

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.

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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

La Smart Région Touristique

Project Description

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.

EHL Blog Insights

Driving Resilience in Swiss Tourism: Data Smart Innovation for SMEs

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.

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Our Team

Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen

Assistant Professor

Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL teaching hotel distribution strategy, online consumer behavior, marketing strategy and digital marketing courses. Before entering higher education, Maggie held positions in various tourism sectors, ranging from hotels to casinos, travel agencies, and consulting.

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Dr. Alessandro Inversini

Full Professor

Dr. Alessandro Inversini is Full Professor at the EHL – Hospitality Business School. He is expert digital communication and his research focuses on the role of digital transformation in society. Dr. Inversini has an extensive international academic experience: before joining EHL, Dr Inversini has been working at Università della Svizzera italiana, Bournemouth University, and Henley Business School (University of Reading).

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Amélie Keller

Flagship Project Coordinator

Amélie Keller is the Project Coordinator of the Flagship Resilient Tourism initiative. She works closely with the Professors on the overall management and communication strategy of the Flagship. She also manages a regional coaching program and advises local tourism stakeholders in their digital transformation. Amélie Keller holds a Master's degree in International Tourism from the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) with a minor in Sustainable Development, and a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication from the University of Geneva.

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