Applied sustainability in Swiss tourism destinations


Project idea
In order for Swiss tourism destinations to know how to develop sustainably, the project «Applied sustainability in Swiss tourism destinations NSTD» aims to create assistance for destination management organisations (DMOs).
Project goals
- A handbook «Sustainability in Swiss Tourism Destinations» with interesting facts about sustainability in tourism, practical indicators, recommendations for action and practical examples of implementation is available. The model for this is the practical guide «Nachhaltigkeit im Deutschlandtourismus» (Sustainability in German Tourism). Learn more about this in the English summary.
- Further training for DMO staff and interested parties on the implementation of sustainability is offered.
- The feasibility of a rating or award for sustainable tourism destinations has been clarified.
- The need for competence centres for «sustainability in tourism» has been assessed and a strategy for their establishment and operation has been elaborated.
Impact goals
- Swiss tourism destinations have set themselves the goal of sustainable development.
- They have a selection of support tools at their disposal, which they make active use of.
- The sustainable orientation of tourism destinations contributes to the long-term preservation of high-quality jobs throughout Switzerland, to increasing the quality of life of the host population and to preserving natural and cultural heritage. By creating jobs, migration to peripheral regions is slowed down.

The NSTD project in the media
Read more about the completed project in the media coverage and communication of the partners (all in German).
htr hotel revue: Standards für nachhaltigen Tourismus (25.5.21)
SECO – Innotour: Ökologische Nachhaltigkeit im Tourismus: Reisemotiv oder Nice-to-have? (2.10.20)
Insight: Nachhaltigkeit wirkungsvoll umsetzen (2.6.20)
Schweizer Tourismus-Verband: Innotour-Projekt zur Nachhaltigkeit in den Destinationen (17.2.20)
htr hotel revue: Allen eine attraktive Region bieten (7.3.19)
Südostschweiz: Ein Handbuch für mehr nachhaltigen Tourismus (1.10.18)