The financial challenges facing SMEs in the hotel and catering industry throughout the Alpine region and Switzerland as a whole have been a recurring theme since well before the introduction of the Basel III banking supervision criteria. The aim of this paper is to highlight and compare some newer financing models. The most effective model for small and medium-sized tourism businesses, and above all the practical model of hybrid private equity investment, will be further developed for the industry. The starting point for qualitative research into efficiency and desired added value for SMEs is the current situation in the industry. Building on this, the potential, opportunities and gaps in private equity investments reveal the interrelationships between relevant models. The steps towards an efficient financing model for SMEs in the hotel and catering industry are reflected in a catalogue of measures with a final assessment and outlook.