Eric Horster

Prof. Dr. Eric Horster is a Professor in the International Tourism Management (ITM) program at the West Coast University of Applied Sciences in Heide, Germany. He holds a prominent role as a board member of the German Institute for Tourism Research, contributing to cutting-edge research in digital tourism marketing, customer experience management, and smart destinations. His work integrates technology-driven solutions with strategic tourism challenges, focusing on visitor management systems, innovation methodologies, and sustainable destination development.

Research Interests: Horster’s expertise spans digital tourism marketing, customer experience design, and the application of innovative technologies in tourism. His recent work explores visitor spatio-temporal behavior analysis, intervention frameworks for overcrowding, and the integration of recommendation systems in destination management. He emphasizes leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance tourism experiences while addressing industry challenges like resource management and sustainability.

Articles & Trends: His publications highlight trends in smart destinations, digital tools for customer experience optimization, and innovation frameworks for tourism businesses. Notable works include frameworks for overcrowding mitigation (INPReS) and methodological guides for innovation in customer experience management.

Awards & Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed, though his academic contributions are recognized through his active research and institutional roles.

Advising & Labs: While no formal students are listed, Horster guides research initiatives at the German Institute for Tourism Research and collaborates with institutes like regioMAR and WinHR. His work often involves cross-disciplinary teams addressing tourism’s digital transformation and policy challenges.