The global debate around climate change and environmental protection means that there is also a challenge for Swiss tourism – alongside many other industries. Tourism service suppliers are expected to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions or to offset them. This is a justified requirement. Everyone can and must play their part.

Every trip leaves a digital trail. Those who know how to use these data trails to good effect have an advantage.

Sustainable product development at Switzerland Tourism
Flourishing nature is the key resource for Swiss tourism. What’s more, the aim is that Switzerland should be seen as one of the most sustainable holiday destinations worldwide. The marketing of Switzerland as a sustainable holiday destination is one of Switzerland Tourism ST’s eight strategic priorities.

Among other things, ST has always made sure that the ecological, economic and social aspects of sustainability are taken into account in all newly developed ST products. This three-pillar model forms part of the guidelines and indicators of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for sustainable tourism. Thus, for example, Ride the Alps promotes bike riding and at the same time brings substantial added value to the rural/Alpine regions. The Taste my Swiss City product benefits both local producers and restaurants, while also preserving Switzerland’s culinary heritage. The Luggage Special offer, which was free for winter 2019/2020, encourages visitors to spend their winter holidays in Switzerland and leave their cars at home. There are further sustainable products planned for 2020.

Examples from within the industry
The awareness support for conservation and climate protection is highly developed throughout the Swiss tourism industry. Here are some exemplars: Laax has followed its Greenstyle environmental and energy concept to reduce its energy consumption by 15% since 2011. Switzerland is also the country with the most car-free winter resorts in the world. Saas-Fee is one such place. The Valais glacier village is also on the way to becoming the first particulate-free community in the Alps – thanks to the use of particulate filters in wood burners. Likewise, the Bächler company has developed the Null-Energie-Lanze (German), a snow-making machine that works with almost no electricity.