An Essential Tool for Managing Visitor Flow and Safety

The collected data is used by multiple stakeholders to ensure safety, support tourism development, and regulate access.

"The devices are placed at Planfais and Col de la Forclaz. These are takeoff sites for paragliders but also popular with hikers. We see many people going up but fewer returning, which helps us estimate the ratio of hikers to paragliders."

The data also supports safety protocols enforced by local authorities.

"The site is the top paragliding launch in Europe, with thousands of takeoffs daily in peak season. By tracking numbers, we can meet the safety guidelines set by the prefecture and reduce accident risks linked to high-density launches."

Balancing Conservation and Tourism Development

Managing this world-renowned site requires balancing commercial paragliding activity and nature conservation.

"We face over-tourism issues. Many commercial companies operate on-site, offering tandem flights and rentals. We have to limit activities to protect the Natura 2000-listed environment."

The site is not directly accessible by private vehicles, requiring transport coordination.

"Shuttle vans transport visitors from Doussard. We hire seasonal staff to regulate access, ensuring smooth operations."

Satisfaction and Recommendation

With a 8/10 rating, the municipality is satisfied with Kiomda’s solution, although improvements in real-time data access are desired.

"Previously, we had real-time tracking through an app, which was more convenient. Now, we have to go through the website, and with poor network coverage up there, loading times are longer. It’s less practical, so I check the data less frequently."

The counters are uninstalled in winter and reinstalled on April 1st each year. Measures such as special screws and discreet placement prevent theft or vandalism.

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