Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference in Innsbruck

Andreas Zins and Lidija Lalicic from the Department of Tourism and Service Management recently travelled to the Innsbruck, Austria to participate in the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) European Chapter Conference. This year’s conference theme was “service innovation and experiences in tourism’’ organized by the Management Center Innsbruck’s Tourism Center.

Practitioners and scholars mingled and discussed the topic of innovation in the context of tourism, with our Modulians contributing to the program. Prof. Zins is a board member of TTRA and moderated presentations during the conference, and Lidija presented preliminary results of one her PhD-related studies on open innovation initiatives by Destination Management Organizations. Her paper and presentation caught the interest of the judges, and and she was ranked in the top three papers of the conference.

Old friends and colleagues were also in attendance, including frequent MU visitor Pierre Breckendorff of the University of Queensland, who collaborates with diverse research project with MU’s Dagmar Lund-Durlacher.

The conference took advantage of the breathtaking Alpine scenery, finishing up with lunch at 1900m altitude with a view over the city of Innsbruck.

‘’It was an inspiring week with great discussion related to service design and challenges we face in the tourism industry.  Given the picturesque setting of Innsbruck and great hosting services of MCI Innsbruck we enjoyed a great conference leaving us with a great quote “Life is like mountain not a beach!” says Lidija.

MU congratulates her on her win!

L-R: Lidija Lalicic, Pierre Breckendorff, Andreas Zins