Tourism Development and Service Innovation
Welcome to the Future of Tourism Innovation
In Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city and a gateway to the Alps, we invite you to explore the Tourism Development and Service Innovation specialisation. This unique exchange programme equips you with the skills to take on tomorrow's challenges in the tourism and service industries while experiencing an international semester at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. It is taught in English and worth 28-32 ECTS depending on the chosen modules.
Programme
The tourism industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing customer needs and global challenges. Our programme focuses on three core dimensions:
- Strategy Development: understand how to identify emerging customer needs and market opportunities to create innovative strategies.
- Innovation Methods: learn how to develop agile innovation techniques for impactful solutions.
- Implementation: discover how you can successfully include new strategies into organisational structures for long-term impact.
The programme integrates digitalisation to support all three core dimensions. By participating, you will gain the expertise to develop evidence-based and customer-focused solutions for a competitive and sustainable future.
Courses
Incoming students can profit from a range of specialised courses (subject to availability), including:
Mandatory modules
each worth 4 ECTS
Service Design Methods
Structured along the Double Diamond Process, this module explores the four key phases of Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. Each phase introduces core concepts and methods of the service design approach, fostering a deep understanding of innovation processes. Building on the foundations laid in the "Design Thinking" module, this specialization refines skills and prepares participants to apply methods in a practical, real-world context in subsequent modules. A comprehensive journey through the principles of service innovation and design, providing the tools to drive impactful and user-centered change.
Strategic Innovation Management
This module focuses on the strategic aspects of innovation management, showing how companies can use innovations and resources effectively to create value. It introduces methods for developing forward-thinking strategies and explores how strong organizational structures and effective teams support innovation.
The module provides a solid foundation for developing impactful service innovations and equips future service designers with essential tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making
This module empowers students to make evidence-based decisions and apply a data-driven approach to service design. Data Literacy equips future innovators with the ability to analyse, interpret, and use data effectively in real-world scenarios. This module not only strengthens critical decision-making skills but also prepares students to lead in the data-driven landscape of modern service design.
Mandatory Elective Modules
each worth 4 ECTS / at least 2 Modules will take place
Customer Experience Management
In today’s world, customer experiences shape the competition, and Customer Experience Management (CXM) has become the new marketing. With a systematic approach, businesses can gather valuable insights, design better experiences, and continuously improve how they connect with their customers. This approach helps create stronger relationships, increase customer satisfaction, and build loyalty. Managing customer experiences effectively is essential for any company looking to succeed in a competitive market.
Behavioural Marketing and Economics
Research from behavioural economics and consumer psychology reveals a new way to view customers: they often do not act rationally but instead follow irrational patterns in how they evaluate, judge, and make decisions.
Service Designers in this module learn to consider these patterns to create effective solutions that achieve their goals. At the same time, understanding these behaviours can be used to design better, more customer-friendly services.
Stakeholder Management
Stakeholder management is about creating and maintaining good relationships with key groups like customers, suppliers, employees, managers, authorities, shareholders, and the community. It is a crucial part of ensuring the success of any project or organization.
In this module, students learn how to identify stakeholders, manage their needs, and communicate effectively. They also develop skills that help to achieve their goals in any service design project.
Free Elective Modules
each worth 4 ECTS / at least 2 Modules will take place
Aviation Management
Through the use of theoretical knowledge, students familiarise themselves with the aviation industry from a practical perspective and develop a better understanding of the special features of this sector. Students furthermore learn how companies in the aviation industry are managed.
Cultural Tourism Management
The overarching goal of the course "Cultural Tourism Management" is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how cultural resources and heritage can be effectively managed within the tourism industry. The course focuses on strategies for preserving and promoting cultural sites while balancing the needs of tourists and local communities. Students will develop skills in managing cultural tourism projects, including marketing, sustainability practices, and stakeholder collaboration, to ensure both the economic success and cultural integrity of tourism destinations.
Sustainability Management
The overarching goal of the course "Sustainability Management" is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainable practices into tourism management, building upon their existing understanding of sustainability. Students will deepen here their expertise in sustainable tourism models, engage stakeholders, and implement practices that promote long-term viability and responsible tourism development.
Media and PR
The overarching goal of the course "PR and Media” is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to effectively use public relations and media strategies to promote tourism destinations and businesses. The course covers key aspects of media relations, crisis communication, and the role of digital platforms in shaping public perceptions of tourism offerings. Students will learn how to craft compelling narratives, manage brand reputation, and leverage media channels to attract and engage tourists while fostering sustainable tourism practices.
*please note that there might still be changes to the offered modules
Living in Chur
Chur offers an unparalleled mix of Alpine adventures and city comforts:
- Outdoor Experiences: enjoy skiing, hiking, and biking in front of your doorstep
- Cultural Highlights: visit local museums, explore the charming old town and enjoy the culinary delights of the Grisons.
- Central Location: from Chur you can easily reach urban destinations like Zurich, Milan, or Munich for exciting weekend getaways.
For housing options, check out our Housing Options.
Application and advice
Ready to apply?
Applications for the exchange semester are managed through the International Office. To apply for the exchange programme Tourism Development and Service Innovation or if you have questions about administrative details please contact us:
Email: international.office@clutterfhgr.ch
Phone: +41 81 286 24 29
For more information on studying in Chur, visit the following page: Information for International Students.