FH Graubünden and Switzerland Travel Centre start cooperation

Individual travel requests or package deals, chat bot or personal travel advice - these are just two of countless questions the travel industry is currently asking itself. In addition, current developments, such as the Covid crisis, digitalization and the unstoppable importance of sustainability, are challenging the entire industry. Tomorrow's travel providers must be able to develop and continuously improve their services in a customer- and market-oriented manner.

The Institute for Tourism and Leisure at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden deals with the question of how such services can be developed in the travel industry and successfully positioned in the market. Service design is a promising method for creating services that are tailored to the needs of customers.

With Service Innovation and Design, the UAS Graubünden offers a suitable bachelor's program in tourism. "Testing ideas quickly and easily with users in focus is an essential component of service design," emphasizes Thorsten Merkle, Head of Studies Service Innovation and Design at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden. "That's why we are extremely proud to partner with STC, the largest travel provider for Switzerland, and look forward to tackling joint projects."

The broad portfolio as well as the worldwide presence of STC allows to conceptualize and implement ideas for the most diverse guest segments together with the students of the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden. "The constant and unstoppable change driven by, among others, technology, trends, new forms of mobility, changing customer needs makes travel an incredibly exciting business," explains Michael Maeder, CEO of STC. "The collaboration with UAS Graubünden will help us discuss and establish new concepts." In addition to close collaboration on new services and products, students at FH Graubünden will gain simplified access to STC's global locations and knowledge sharing will be encouraged.