Four Tyrolean tourism regions awarded the Austrian Ecolabel

The four Tyrolean tourism associations in the Außerfern region – Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Lechtal Tourismus, Tannheimer Tal and Naturparkregion Reutte – were awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations in October. This demonstrates their commitment to a uniform framework across Austria that considers the ecological, social and economic development of the regions.

The Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations takes a holistic approach to sustainability and encompasses six thematic areas: management, socioeconomics, environmental and climate protection, biodiversity, nature and landscape conservation, mobility, and culture. The criteria catalog comprises 119 requirements. 63 of these must be met, and for initial certification, additional criteria must be implemented.

"The Austrian Ecolabel establishes high quality standards in tourism. At the same time, it highlights existing achievements and demonstrates areas in which tourism destinations can further develop. This makes our regions more resilient and future-proof in the long term," explains Martina Heim, sustainability coordinator of the four award-winning tourism associations.

Award as a long-term commitment

“With the Austrian Ecolabel, the Tyrolean tourism regions are taking an important step towards the sustainable and future-oriented development of domestic tourism. I warmly congratulate everyone involved on this important step,” emphasizes Federal Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig.

The Ecolabel is valid for four years from the date of award. The certification is thus designed as a long-term development and review process: For renewal, the sustainability measures must be further developed and reviewed again as part of a comprehensive audit.

For the four tourism associations, the central aim is to shape tourism in harmony with nature, culture, and the local people.

A joint path of four tourism associations and 36 municipalities

The four tourism associations have been cooperating on various projects for several years. The certification process was also supported by all four associations from the outset. A joint sustainability coordination team consolidates activities and facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experience, and proven measures between the associations.

The official launch of the process in November 2024 was preceded by a comprehensive inventory. This inventory identified which criteria had already been met and in which areas further action was needed. In addition to the four tourism associations, 36 municipalities, the Außerfern Regional Development Agency, the KEM and KLAR! management teams, the Tiroler Lech Nature Park, and other regional partners and authorities were involved in the preparation and implementation. "This has fostered a shared understanding that sustainable practices are not isolated tasks, but rather play a role in all areas both within and outside our organization," said Heim.

Based on the inventory and the workshops, information for guests, partner businesses, and landlords was improved, awareness-raising measures and guest surveys for collecting key performance indicators were prepared. Further steps included organizing events according to green event criteria, using regional and fair-trade materials, digitalization, and providing accessible and mobility-friendly services.