Each individual contributes significantly to our curriculum with their specialised knowledge and passion for sustainable tourism.
Lecturers in the 1st Semester
Founder and Manager at IN2destination Research and Consultancy in Tourism, serves as an External Expert for UN Tourism, EISMEA DG Grow EC, and the European Urban Initiative DG Region EC. With 18 years of experience in the tourism sector across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students.
«Looking forward to meeting new faces, enthusiastic students eager to learn about which key questions help destinations be sustainable and competitive and how to obtain trustworthy data to respond to those questions, and unlocking creative minds working on business cases in my modules on Competitiveness & Market Intelligence and Visual Communication.»
Modules: Competitiveness & Market Intelligence, Visual Communication
LinkedIn Profile
Prof. Marcello Gandolfi (Italy)
Global Head of Programmes for CODESPA, UN Tourism Academy Community based Tourism Expert
«A destination that is not enjoyed by its citizens, will not be enjoyed by its visitors.
My passion is to achieve the integration of local communities in tourist destinations, enhancing travellers' experiences, and making tourism more beneficial for residents.
I will be very happy to share my experience from the last 15 years in sustainable tourism projects in different countries around the world.»
Module: Social Responsibility in Tourism
LinkedIn Profile
Prof. Gour Saraff (Spain/US)
Managing Director at Europe-India Chamber of Commerce
«Over 12 years of teaching combined with two decades of international business experience in multiple countries make me inspired and looking forward to sharing both the applied and academic side of the curriculum.»
Module: Economics
LinkedIn Profile
Adela Moreda (Spain)
Senior Sustainable Tourism Specialist; Former Lead Tourism Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
«I am thrilled with the opportunity to interact with tourism students to learn about their unique perspectives, while contributing to their knowledge on the design, execution, and monitoring of tourism projects with my 28 years of experience in tourism regional planning, tourism policy and investment, and international development.»
Module: Project Management, Global UN Tourism Missions & Initiatives
LinkedIn Profile
Prof. Urs Wagenseil (Switzerland)
Professor, Head of Programme (BSc IST)
«I am happy to share my experiences with our students from my dual professional life in the world of tourism practice (incoming- and, outgoing tourism, destination management) and on the academic side, coupled with 20 years of international consulting and deep insights into sustainable destination development. I am very much looking forward to the exchange with these students.»
Module: Destination Management
LinkedIn Profile
Daniel Afonso (Spain)
Global SVP People and Culture at Radisson Hotel Group
«With 25 years of experience in global human resource management I will help you understand how to manage individuals and organisations effectively.
The course will prepare you for real-world challenges in organisational dynamics and workforce management and help you enhance your employability and professional growth in skills such as talent acquisition, talent management or strategic planning.»
Module: HR Management & New Work
LinkedIn Profile
Edgar Barroso (Spain)
International CMC® (Certified Management Consultant) at CMC-Global Institute, Switzerland, Franchises and Business Owner
«With over 25 years of professional experience in different business fields and as a seasoned new venture & franchise entrepreneur,
I specialize in International Business, International Marketing, Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, and Franchise Development Systems. I'm excited to discuss my experiences with our students, drawing from my diverse career in the tourism industry as well as the entrepreneurial world.»
Module: Presenting & Interacting
LinkedIn Profile
Alvaro Garcia Soto (Spain)
Adjunct and Visiting Professor, Academic Director of Corporate MBAs at IE Business School, Financial Advisor and Consultant
«I have gained more than 25 years of experience exploring the financial area of companies as a financial analyst, advisor, and consultant, combined with the academic world as a professor at different universities, where I help my students understand financial information and financial language.
I’m a passionate global traveler with more than 85 countries visited.»
Module: Finance & Accounting
LinkedIn Profile
Gabriela Salinas (Argentina)
Global Managing Director at Brand Finance Institute
«Strong brands are built on evidence. You cannot turn your back on consumers, especially in an industry as competitive as tourism and hospitality, where loyalty declines as options proliferate. Recognizing and monitoring consumer behaviors and trends are key to building strong brands in the industry. This is the undeniable value that market research and Applied Tourism Data bring for marketing executives in the industry.»
Module: Applied Tourism Data
LinkedIn Profile
Héctor Coronel (Spain)
Director of Tourism at Madrid City Council
«Within the generational change we are living, tourism is also rapidly transforming and the industry will experience a great growth in the coming years. I am proud to contribute to the future professionals with more than 30 years of experience in private companies, public sector and also entrepreneurship background.»
Module: International Tourism in Transition
LinkedIn Profile
Marcello Notarianni (Italy)
Sustainable Tourism Expert, Senior Associate of SMA Tourism
«As a Senior Economist I'm specialising in sustainable development of the tourism and hospitality industry with 25 years of experience in 4 continents and over 75 projects. I work as a catalyst for growth, helping to implement effective sustainable and inclusive tourism strategies and develop projects that create value. I provide advisory and training services for different destinations, tourism businesses and students to integrate sustainability, competitiveness, inclusiveness in planning, management, marketing, and operation.»
Module: Global Sustainable Development
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Ignacio Gafo (Spain)
Head of Programme (BSc IST), Spain
«I am a marketer and academic with nearly 30 years of experience crafting and implementing marketing strategies worldwide. My teaching philosophy emphasises bridging academic theory with practical application, fostering critical thinking, and empowering students to become innovative and responsible marketers. In my Tourism Marketing course, I focus on equipping students with the strategic and operational tools needed to develop and execute impactful marketing strategies.»
Module: Tourism Marketing
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Antonella Fazio (Italy/Colombia)
Cofounder and Responsible for strategic product direction at Translucent Datalab (tech-spinoff from IE)
Adjunct professor at IE University
«With over ten years of experience in research, I have spent the past seven years specialising in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. At IE University and Translucent Datalab, my work focuses on tackling the challenges posed by illegal online markets for medicines. Curiosity lies at the heart of my teaching philosophy, and I strive to instill its significance in my students. Moreover, I prioritise equipping them with skills that are transferable across various professional contexts.»
Module: Research Fundamentals, Research in Practice
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Ignacio de las Cuevas Rojo (Spain)
Senior Tourism & Hospitality Advisor at RLA Global, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certified Trainer
«I bring over 20 years of expertise in high-end hospitality, tourism development, and vocational training to the Bachelor's programme. With a track record of working across five continents, my teaching philosophy is centered on fostering a dynamic, student-focused learning environment that bridges academic theory with real-world applications. I am deeply committed to nurturing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring they leave the programme as change-makers prepared to shape a sustainable future for the global tourism industry.»
Module: Product Management
LinkedIn Profile
Prof. Natia Tchigvaria (Georgia)
Administrative Head of PhD programmes and professor at GIPA-Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, Expert of Authorization for Higher Educational Institutions in Georgia
«With extensive teaching experience in qualitative research methods at undergraduate-level, I am well-equipped to guide students in mastering research and critical analysis. My academic background, combined with active international collaborations, enables me to foster a dynamic learning environment that seamlessly integrates theory with practical applications. I'm excited to explore the field of sustainable tourism together.»
Module: Qualitative Research
LinkedIn Profile
Caro Degryse (Belgium)
Founder of Humus Consulting for Tourism & Sustainability
Trainer, Teacher, Product Management
«I am a tourism expert with 30 years of experience in product development and destination strategy. I help tour operators create differentiated travel experiences and lead workshops on climate, biodiversity, and sustainable management. We will focus on linking these back to tourism during the course.»
Modul: Ecosystem & Resources
LinkedIn-Profil
Javier Sancho (Spain)
Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer ACHM Hotels by Marriott.
«My teaching philosophy is based on learning through the exchange of experiences combined with active discussion within an appropriate theoretical framework. The greatest value I bring to the programme is the practical experience I have gained in more than 30 years in commercial and marketing responsibilities as well as team management in different hotel companies, along with a forward-looking perspective on trends in the hospitality sector.»
Module: Hospitality Management & Effective Intercultural Teams
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Associate Prof. Teona Mataradze (Georgia)
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tbilisi State University, Expert-Consultant for Local and International Research Projects.
"As an Associate Professor at Tbilisi State University with extensive experience in qualitative research, I am excited to share my expertise in social science research with students in the sustainable tourism program. My teaching philosophy emphasises learning by doing, strongly focusing on skill development. With years of experience in conducting research-based projects and teaching research methods at all academic levels, I am committed to integrating theory with practical applications. I look forward to guiding students in developing their analytical skills."
Module: Qualitative Research
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Anna Para (Poland)
Researcher and lecturer at Institute of Tourism and Mobility at HSLU
“I look forward to a mutual enriching exchange with international BSc IST students, where we learn from one another while exploring the dynamic and evolving world of tourism together. Sharing my knowledge and experience in applied research and digitalization in tourism—my key area of interest—is something I truly enjoy.”
Modules: Research in Practice, TourismTech
LinkedIn Profil
Prof. Dr. Andreas Liebrich (Switzerland)
Lecturer
"For over two decades, I have devoted myself to advancing digitalization in tourism. While travelers increasingly embrace digital solutions, the traditional tourism sector often struggles to keep pace with rapid technological developments. Through collaborative partnerships with industry professionals, researchers, and students, I have led numerous projects aimed at addressing these evolving challenges."
Module: TourismTech
LinkedIn Profil
Dr. Daniela Moreno Alarcón (Chile/Spain)
UN & MDB Gender Programming Specialist, International Consultant on Gender Responsive Tourism
«Tourism has been my professional foundation, where I learned the vital role of sustainability in policymaking, value chains, and project design. With 15 years of field experience across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, I am passionate about bringing real world insights into the classroom. As a leading expert in gender responsive tourism, I support inclusive, evidence-based strategies for more just and transformative tourism.»
Module: Tourism Types & Business Models
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Adrian Chrobot (Poland)
Adjunct Professor at Silesia University, Poland
"I'm a seasoned diplomat with 15+ years of experience in international missions, specializing in human rights, European affairs, migrations and public & cultural diplomacy. I served as Political Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington (2021-25), Head of the Political and Economic Section at the Embassy of Poland in Havana (2015-21) and worked for the Permanent Representation of Poland to the European Union in Brussels in the Justice and Home Affairs Department (2010-14). I also worked for the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Portugal (2007) and Spain (2009-10)."
Module: UN Diplomacy & Tourism
Dr. Fabio Duma (Switzerland/Italy)
Co-owner & Principal Consultant at Bello & Benfatto KlG; Executive Coach (IMD, ICF), Senior Lecturer & Visiting Professor
"I am happy to share my professional and academic expertise with the students in this promising program. I bring 20+ years of experience across several roles, industries and cultures. As an internationally accredited (executive) coach it will be my pleasure to support students in their personal development."
Modules: Self-Leadership & Reflection
Douglas MacKevett (Switzerland)
Head of Digital Learning Services
Head of MScBA Online Business & Marketing
"With over 25 years of experience in higher education, I bring together academic leadership, curriculum innovation, and a deep interest in how technology reshapes communication. For the past six years, I’ve focused on integrating EdTech into our curriculum at the Master’s level, helping students critically and creatively engage with emerging tools.
My teaching and research connect digital strategy with hands-on data, from cutting-edge AI applications to innovative approaches in qualitative research. I look forward to sharing these perspectives with our students and exploring how business communication is evolving in a rapidly changing world."
Module: Qualitative Research
Dr. Anna Amacher Hoppler (Switzerland)
Lecturer, Project Manager, Member of the Sustainability Team of the HSLU Business School
"Imagining you in 5-10 years as a manager of a natural or cultural heritage site, I am looking forward to discovering the pros and cons, frameworks, challenges and success stories of heritage sites with you! As a historian with a heavy tendency to practical implementation of science, I am always interested in new ideas, perspectives and examples. There is a heritage site in every country. Will we be able to evaluate them together?"
Modules: Natural & Cultural Heritage
Prof. Dr. Jens O. Meissner (Germany)
Professor on Organisational Resilience
"I’m a professor of organisational resilience at HSLU, where I co-head the Management section. My research focuses on organisational resilience, high reliability, and organisational design practices. I previously founded and led the interdisciplinary CreaLab, served on the board of Switzerland’s largest risk management association, and serve as lecturer in Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen."
Module: Risk & Resilience Management
Dr. Caroline Geyer (Germany)
Senior Researcher at HSLU, CEO of Supervistas (a performing arts project), Member of the Executive Committee in the role of National Representative for Switzerland at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music
"My passion lies in exploring how cultural heritage shapes our identities, communities, and sense of place. I look forward to engaging with students to examine the relationships between heritage, creativity, and society."
Module: Natural & Cultural Heritage
Dr. Vidya Ravi (Switzerland)
Lecturer, Hochschule Luzern, Institute of Communication and Marketing
"While we may share a common language, we each possess our own unique voice, and understanding and learning how to use that voice is a skill that can never be replaced. I have a background in literary culture and the humanities and am looking forward to exploring rhetoric, storytelling, and other methods of persuasive communication with my students."
Module: Persuasive Communication
Additional Lecturers and Guestspeakers
Further lecturers in other modules/masterclasses can be found here.
For more detailed insights into the modules & programme structure, please visit our module- and programme structur page.
Programme Information | Contact | Info-Events
Interested? Come and join our Info-Event and find out more details by talking to the Head of Programme.
You are also very welcome to contact us for individual advice:
Phone: +41 41 228 41 30 / E-mail: bachelor.ist@hslu.ch
Further links to the programme:
→ Module- and Programme Structure
→ Study Locations
→ Admission
→ Lecturers
→ Diverse Career Prospects for Graduates
→ Frequently asked questions