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Vouchers Medienmitteilung 25.02.2022
Press Release: Destination Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair Establishes Sustainability Council
The holiday region Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair has established a broadly supported Sustainability Council. As part of the ongoing TourCert certification, the council will plan concrete measures and projects on the topic of sustainability in the region and support their implementation.
The approximately 20-member Sustainability Council has already met twice in the past three months. It was convened as part of the TourCert certification process the destination is currently undergoing. This summer, it is set to become the first destination in Switzerland to be awarded the title of "sustainable destination."
Three pillars for sustainable development
Alongside the tourism organization itself and its tourism partner businesses, the Sustainability Council forms the third pillar on the path toward a sustainable tourism future. Its members represent the various stakeholder groups and the three sub-regions of Engadin Scuol Zernez, Samnaun, and Val Müstair. They include representatives from municipalities, the hotel and accommodation sector, mountain railways, nature parks, culture and language, agriculture, and trade and commerce.
"Having such a broadly supported and motivated group in the Sustainability Council, all pulling in the same direction, is truly inspiring and gives us great confidence," says Martina Hollenstein Stadler, who founded the Sustainability Council and invited members to the kick-off meeting.
Foundation laid
During the first two meetings, the foundation was laid for developing the destination-wide improvement program. It became clear that there is particular potential in the areas of local value chains, the region's appeal as a place to live and work, and resource consumption and mobility. The next step, in spring, will involve developing concrete ideas and measures and dividing the group into working groups.
René Stoye, head of the Belvedere Hotel Family in Scuol and a member of the Sustainability Council, also highlights the importance of the program: "We live in paradise – vibrant nature, changing seasons, clear water, pure products, and clean air. It goes without saying that we should do everything we can to preserve this and pass it on to our children intact and with a sense of responsibility. Being involved in this effort is both a great honor and a responsibility for me."
About "TourCert"
Sustainability has long since become an important factor for tourism regions, securing their economic future. It creates new fields of work, strengthens local innovation, offers an attractive investment environment for businesses, and enhances quality of life. "TourCert" has developed its own internationally recognized consulting and certification system for the tourism industry. The benefits of the TourCert system go far beyond mere certification.
The TourCert system is designed to assess all of a destination's tourism activities in terms of their environmental, economic, and social impact, making them fit for the future. Particular emphasis is placed on the quality of products and services, customer orientation, careful use of resources, accessibility, and environmentally friendly mobility options.
Founded in 2009, "TourCert" is an independent innovation and certification company headquartered in Stuttgart. With an innovative and holistic approach, "TourCert" supports destinations on their journey toward a more sustainable way of doing business, ensuring long-term positioning that benefits all tourism stakeholders, guests, and the local population.
Media Contacts
Martina Hollenstein Stadler; Director TESSVM
Tel. +41 81 861 88 02
m.hollenstein@engadin.com
Roger Kreienbühl; Media, Corporate Communications and Brand TESSVM
Tel. +41 81 861 88 38
r.kreienbuehl@engadin.com
