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Sustainability Label South Tyrol

Paving the way for a sustainable future

How can you identify destinations and accommodation businesses that are actively committed to providing solutions for a sustainable future? In South Tyrol the sustainability signage is before everyone's eyes. The Sustainability Label South Tyrol. A certification that, based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council(GSTC) criteria, gives recognition to entities in the tourism industry that ensure the protection of nature and human beings. Tourist destinations that have been successful in preserving our traditions , thereby contributing to making South Tyrol a sustainable place with relevant eco practices.

There are three different levels that increase the credibility of the practices effectiveness in accommodation businesses. The third and highest level is "GSTC-recognized" which means sustainable toursim standards have been internationally met.

Sustainability Label for accommodations

Accommodation establishments in South Tyrol are mostly family-run. Most of the times, they are small businesses  with a local living economy. By respecting nature and culture, the local cycles are relentlessly at the core of our everyday living. The South Tyrol Sustainability Seal makes their endeavours visible. There are three levels that showcase which sustainable development goals have been attained by accommodation establishments.

Level 3

The expert

The highest level is "GSTC-recognized" and has gained an international recognition The accommodation establishments with this seal run a sustainable business and encourage a holistic perspective. It meets all nine criteria encompassing ecological, social and cultural factors. Holders of the highest level actively contribute to the safeguarding of the cultural heritage and authentically represent it. They purchase locally and engage local craftsmen and designers. Architecture and landscaping respect biodiversity and bear the South Tyrolean signature. The business ensures that even people with a physical disability  can move without limitations. Guests are encouraged to lead a car-free lifestyle and use more ecological means of transport. The team and stakeholders likewise.

Level 2

The advanced

The accommodation establishments with this label are on the right path to a sustainable future, which takes the team and local producers into account too. In addition to the criteria for Level 1, socio-economic factors start to play a prominent role. The business promotes employment regardless of origin, religion, political views, etc. and equal rights for all employees. The business promotes further training and advancement opportunities. Regional products and nature's cycles have priority. Local initiatives such as associations and non-profit organizations are actively supported. Goods are purchased strategically, ecologically, with a reduced amount of pollutants. Whereas products and suppliers with an eco-certificate are priviledged.

Level 1

The starter

The accommodation establishments showcasing this label are making their way to sustainabilty: strategic considerations, the definition of sustainability principles and a sustainability action plan are the first measures. The tourist establishment makes greater use of renewable energy and measures energy consumption, CO2 emissions and aims to lower them down. It keeps track of food loss and waste, avoids cleaning products with toxic chemicals, uses ecological alternatives and encourages its guests to act likewise.

 

What must the company demonstrate?

Internationally recognised certificates

An accommodation or catering business obtains the Sustainability Label South Tyrol only if its sustainable transition has already been proven by internationally recognized certifications. Some examples include the “EU Ecolabel”, “Turn to Zero”, “Earth Check” or “Gemeinwohl Ökonomie”. Depending on which recognized certifications a company can lay out, one of the three levels of Sustainability Label South Tyrol can be reached. Level 3, the highest level, corresponds to the GSTC certification and is internationally recognized. 

Sustainably visible

Travel to destinations where a sustainable signage is visible and where the world is a more livable place. From renewable energy to equality in the workplace and local cycles - there's everything in accommodations certified with the Sustainability Label South Tyrol.

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Sustainability Label for destinations

Based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, South Tyrol has defined indicators that lay the foundations for a sustainability measurement of destinations. Destinations that stand out for their sustainable practices, can put up the Sustainability Label South Tyrol after undergoing a weeks-long audit. There are three stages that showcase which sustainable development goals have been attained by accommodation establishments.

Level 3

The expert

The holiday region owns the highest level and is a worldwide sustainable role model. It meets the high GSTC-Standards and therefore respects ecological, socio-economic and cultural factors all round. By relying on an intelligent tourism management, these standards ensure access to and the protection of cultural sites. The destination has to follow specific guidelines and implement a "tourism carrying capacity" to minimize light and noise pollution. Often, water consumption is at stake and businesses are getting involed in resolving the issue. The destination takes the protection of environmentally sensitive areas very seriously and constantly monitors the environmental impacts of tourism.

Level 2

The advanced

The holiday region is taking the right steps to a sustainable future. In addition to the criteria for Level 1, the accessibility of natural and cultural sites is promoted. Moreover, great attention is given to the intelligent tourism management. The destination is concerned with the maintenance and protection of the intangible cultural heritage, namely local traditions, art, music, language, cuisine, and other elements of local identity. The destination aims to cut down on  carbon footprint and enacts policies and measures to prevent them from increasing. Collaborations, programs and tourism products all stand up for the common good.

Level 1

The starter

The holiday region bearing this Seal is embarking on sustainable standards of living. By starting with a strategic and action plan and involving stakeholders, it implements adaptation actions for climate change and helps better protect animals and species. The destination sets energy saving targets and monitors water quality. Waste prevention, sorting and a green mobility are fostered. Cultural artifacts' handling and transmission are regulated. The destination promotes and supports employement quality and diversity in tourism. Local businesses and fair trade have a major focus.

Can the sustainability of a destination be measured?

Standards, criteria, indicators

South Tyrol’s Sustainability Programme is based on the internationally recognized GSTC standard and aims to make tourism in South Tyrol sustainable and ecological. All the destinations could reach Level 3, namely the highest level that corresponds to the GSTC certification and is, thus, internationally recognized. The process implies that different levels are reached when specific criteria and indicators are respected. The successful completion of each level is evaluated and validated by an audit.

Sustainable Ahrntal/Valle Aurina

Nestled in the Riesenferner Ahrn Nature Park, Ahrntal features over 80 impressive three-thousand metre peaks, 120 drinking water springs, 35 mountain lakes, 9 waterfalls and the unique Heilstollen healing tunnel. A valley without through traffic, rich in the purest air, unspoilt nature and crystal-clear waters. With the founding of the Ahrntal Valley Future Consortium, a concrete step was taken towards a respectful approach to nature, resources, customs and the way of life in the valley. Local economic structures and product cycles are promoted and developed through socioeconomic projects such as Taufrisch and Kleiner Marktplatz. Gentle mobility and excellent regular public transport connections promote environmentally friendly transport. Ahrntal was awarded the South Tyrolean sustainability label for these measures — an important milestone on the way to a secure future for generations to come.

Alex Moling

Sustainable Eggental/Val d'Ega

Measurable, visible, tangible. Eggental is the first sustainable certified region in South Tyrol, and one of the few in Italy, to be GSTC-recognized. It's been many years now, since local cycles have been on the upswing. Moreover, this period has brought many producers from the valley and restaurateurs to work even closely. These kinds of destinations are activey and successfully committed to socio-economic, ecological and cultural sustainability. It is therefore a pioneer and internationally acclaimed role model for other holiday regions on their way to a more sustainable future.

Carezza Dolomites/Storyteller Labs

Sustainable Brixen/Bressanone

Brixen is the second holiday region in South Tyrol that has received the highest Sustainability Seal. Events like the Brixen Water Light Festival or the Mountain bike Testival have been held as green for many years. The holiday region also revolves around the topic of water in many ways. It raises people and businesses' awareness for a more respectful use of water and it encourages guests to fill up their water bottle from drinking fountains and springs. Whether in ecological, socio-economic and cultural terms, political, business and toursim actors are consistently committed to pursuing a sustainable path.

Brixen Tourismus/Michael Pezzei

Sustainable San Vigilio Dolomites

The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site characterizes the holiday alpine location San Vigilio Dolomites in the Dolomites region Plan de Corones at the opening to Val Badia. The protection of natural environments, the cultivation of their cultural heritage and the preservation of the oldest tongue in the region - Ladin - and the traditional cuisine have been close to the hearts of local people for a long time. Moreover, local cycles are steadily promoted through socio-economic projects like AgricolArt. The mountain water will be at guests' disposal - in restored centuries-old wells scattered across villages where bottles can be refilled anytime and for free. The certification with the highest sustainability label is a milestone for the next steps toward a more sustainable future.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa

Sustainable Seiser Alm

The Dolomites Region Seiser Alm has made a name as holiday paradise breaking down borders. In fact, Seiser Alm - Europe's largest high-altitude Alpine meadow - encompasses the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Schlern, Plattkofel and Langkofel mountains and South Tyrol's oldest Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten to stand out as an appealing tourist destination in all seasons. For locals and the tourism industry has thus become imperative to protect their abundant wildlife and vegetation. Having received South Tyrol's highest sustainability label, Seiser Alm places great emphasis on waste prevention. The problems and treatment of this process involve everyone: committed members of the Alpine Club cleaning up garbage or mountain hut managers who avoid packaging when shopping. To protect nature is everyone's business.

Seiser Alm Marketing/Daniel Perathoner

Sustainable Ritten/Renon

Ritten was officially listed as a summer retreat 450 years ago and among others in South Tyrol, it has been recognised as a sustainable destination. In April 2023, Ritten was awarded the highest sustainability standard for its exemplary mobility. This area offers a wide variety of scenic hiking trails winding though sunny vineyards and crossing the Rittner Horn mountain at 2,260 m, varied views on e-bike routes and "promenades on the mountain". To embrace a comprehensive mobility, all are very easy to reach by public transport. Upon your arrival in Ritten, you can start taking advantage of a car-free holiday by taking a comfortable cable car ride from Bolzano/Bozen train station to the panoramic plateau at about 1,000 m above sea level. A co-ordinated bus network and a unique narrow-gauge railway let you easily explore the "Riviera of the Dolomites" and enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site at any time of year.

TV Ritten/Armin Huber

Sustainable Val Gardena

Val Gardena, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, with majestic peaks such as the Sella Group and the Sassolungo, is committed to a sustainable future. Awarded with the Sustainability Label South Tyrol, the region promotes innovative mobility and environmental protection projects. By 2026, a mobility center for car-free and barrier-free connections will be created, local and arrival transport will be optimized, traffic on the Dolomite pass roads will be reduced, cycle paths will be expanded, public transport will be improved, and the number of charging stations for electric vehicles will be doubled. Special attention will be paid to the management of areas with high tourist traffic, such as Passo Gardena and Seceda. Val Gardena, a renowned tourist destination, is thus making an important contribution to the entire region.

Val Gardena-Gröden Marketing/Lukas Runggaldier

Sustainable Partschins/Parcines

In Partschins, at the entrance to the Texel Group Nature Park, the pioneering spirit of Peter Mitterhofer lives on in a delightful way. This is where the resourceful craftsman invented the first typewriter, and the people who live and work here are committed to facilitating local material flows. Having been awarded the South Tyrol sustainability label, this holiday resort offers you the chance to discover regional products for yourself. Passionate farmers and producers open their farm shops and offer tastings that go far beyond pure enjoyment. Whether you choose a wine tasting, apple tour, herb workshop or HoneygourMet honey session — valuable knowledge is imparted alongside the product tasting. With its events, Parcines offers visible examples of sustainable, regional products, art and crafts. A highlight is the annual "Olls hondgmocht" gourmet market held in late May, which transforms the village centre into a lively stage for authentic, handmade treasures.

IDM Südtirol/TV Partschins/Helmuth Rier

Sustainable Meran/Merano

In Meran, you will find a unique blend of urban life and nature. Awarded the South Tyrol sustainability label, this charming spa town is a role model for "urban naturalness". With the "BiodiverCity Tour" (a free audio tour accessible via podcasts) visitors can discover the town's green oases — from magnificent gardens to the natural habitats that characterise Meran's urban landscape. This tour allows everyone to experience the town's urban biodiversity, demonstrating how nature and an urban environment can coexist harmoniously. Another example of Meran's commitment is the "Merano Vitae" concept, which connects health, body and mind with natural experiences. Whether it's on hikes, enjoying regional delicacies, or relaxing at the thermal baths — nature here is experienced as an integral part of urban life.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Franziska Unterholzner

Sustainability label for the catering industry

The South Tyrolean sustainability label recognises restaurants and inns that are committed to environmental, social and cultural sustainability. While Level 1 marks the entry level, Level 3 comprises the highest standards and international recognition. Companies reduce energy consumption and waste, promote regional products and environmentally friendly mobility, and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

South Tyrol sustainability Level 1

The landlords and landladies of these establishments have embarked on a sustainable path. When making future decisions, they always consider whether and to what extent these are compatible with the targets set in terms of resource consumption, food waste and waste prevention. 

South Tyrol sustainability level 3

These catering establishments have a firm belief in sustainability and demonstrate how a sustainable philosophy can be achieved in every area. From locally sourced ingredients to energy-efficient management and barrier-free access, they fulfil the highest standards in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability.

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