We’re pleased to share our latest use case on Digital Self-Determination (DSD) and Tourism, now available for download. This report explores how DSD principles can be applied to tackle the challenges of overtourism, focusing on the iconic tourist destination of Lucerne, Switzerland. By leveraging digital solutions, the project aims to manage visitor flows in ways that respect individual autonomy over personal data while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
This publication is part of our ongoing series examining how DSD can empower individuals and communities across various sectors.
Context
Lucerne is a renowned tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually to landmarks such as Kapellbrücke and Löwenplatz. However, the city has long faced challenges with overtourism, particularly in its historic center, where high visitor numbers strain infrastructure and affect the experiences of both residents and tourists.
In response, the Digital Self-Determination Studio, a collaborative initiative involving the FDFA, OFCOM, and The GovLab, explored innovative ways to manage visitor flows. This project aimed to create digital solutions that respect tourists' autonomy, ensuring transparency and consent in data use while mitigating congestion in Lucerne's city center.
The Challenge
Overtourism in Lucerne has highlighted the need for visitor management solutions that not only reduce congestion but also prioritize ethical and transparent data practices. Key challenges include:
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Congestion at Key Sites: High visitor numbers at popular locations like Kapellbrücke disrupt the flow of movement and reduce enjoyment for both tourists and locals.
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Data Governance: Ensuring that digital tools for visitor management align with DSD principles, giving tourists control over how their data is collected and used.
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Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the interests of tourists, local residents, and tourism service providers to create solutions that benefit all parties.
Key Sections of the Use Case
Processes
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Stakeholder Involvement: Workshops and interviews brought together tourism providers, local residents, and visitors to co-design visitor management strategies.
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Prototype Development: Initial proposals included using digital sensors to monitor visitor flows and redirect tourists to less crowded areas.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a framework for ongoing assessment of the pilot project’s effectiveness.
Policies
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Ethical Data Use: Ensuring tourists are informed about data collection and its intended use.
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Visitor-Centric Design: Placing tourists at the center of data governance, ensuring transparency and consent.
Tools and Solutions
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Digital Sensors: Installed at key locations to measure visitor density and share real-time data.
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Data Sharing Platforms: Providing accessible information to help tourists plan their visits and avoid crowded areas.
People and Organizations Involved
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Tourists: Central to the design of DSD-compliant solutions, ensuring their rights and experiences are prioritized.
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Local Residents: Key stakeholders in balancing tourism and livability in Lucerne.
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Tourism Providers: Partners in implementing visitor guidance tools and strategies.
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Government Agencies: Facilitators of the project, ensuring alignment with broader DSD initiatives.
Download the Use Case
We invite you to explore the full report to gain a deeper understanding of how DSD principles can be applied to tourism.
Download the Use Case: Digital Self-Determination and Tourism (PDF)
Download the Full Report: Studio Full Report (PDF)
Stay tuned as we continue to release more use cases exploring how DSD can promote individual rights and data control in various sectors, ensuring a more balanced and ethical digital future.
The cover image of this blog was created with Dall-E.