Once again pioneers in sustainable tourism

Joy in the Engadin Scuol Zernez and Val Müstair holiday regions: they are the first Swiss destinations to receive the prestigious TourCert label «Sustainable Destination» for the second time in a row. This also confirms their status as «Swisstainable Destination leading«.   

«This is exemplary in Swiss tourism and should also encourage others to keep up the good work», says Professor Urs Wagenseil from the Institute for Tourism and Mobility at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. As an expert in sustainable tourism, Wagenseil provided advice and support during the recertification process.

Public transport as a challenge 

The Engadin Scuol Zernez and Val Müstair regions first positioned themselves as pioneers in 2022. At that time, they were the first destinations in Switzerland to receive the TourCert sustainability label. The task now is to continuously develop future-oriented tourism.

One concrete measure is to bring more guests to the Lower Engadin and Val Müstair by public transport. «This will continue to challenge us for some time to come,» says Sarah Stempfel. As Head of Product Management, she is responsible for sustainability processes at TESSVM.

Stempfel is pleased that other destinations are now also taking a future-oriented approach to tourism development. She is convinced that this commitment is worthwhile – also for the valleys and the local population.

Long-term strengthening of the economy

«Regionality is not only appreciated by guests. It protects nature, strengthens the local economy and improves the quality of life for the people who live here», says Stempfel. Local value creation is key. She cites the Hotel Bär & Post in Zernez as an example. It offers guests a spa experience close to nature and organic meat from its own farm. As a Swisstainable business, the hotel benefits from additional visibility for its offerings.

How sustainability can enhance an entire village can be seen at night in Ardez. Public spaces are no longer brightly lit. Recently, targeted, energy-efficient light sources have been illuminating the streets and buildings. Planned by Nachtaktiv GmbH from Scuol, this achieves two goals: Ardez retains its authentic holiday resort character at night – and people and nature are protected from unnecessary light pollution.  

More than 65 businesses are currently involved in the Swisstainable programme. They are family-run, locally based and focus on products from the region. Together with all their partners, the holiday regions offer what, according to TESSVM director Aeschbacher, more and more guests appreciate: authentic experiences that are as sustainable as possible.