Swisstainable

Switzerland counts as a country with a prudent, resource and environmentally friendly approach to nature and the environment. In collaboration with the Swiss tourism industry, Switzerland Tourism has launched the sustainability strategy "Swisstainable" (consisting of the words Switzerland and sustainable). The aim is not only to strengthen the attitude of sustainable Switzerland but also to communicate it to visitors.

Travelling and sustainability - is that even possible?

Sustainable travel does not mean staying at home but travelling more consciously and with more enjoyment. Regarding this end, the industry recommends to its guests the following:

• Enjoy nature close up and in its original form.
• Experience the local culture authentically.
• Consume regionally.
• Stay longer and dive deeper.

Programmes such as Swisstainable are thus intended to demonstrate to travellers in Switzerland the commitment and intention to offer sustainable services. World Heritage Experience Switzerland and the UNESCO World Heritage properties are also committed to a sustainable Switzerland. 

This includes striving for:

• Utilising unique qualities of the Swiss nature, landscape and urban planning for attractive products, services and effective communication.
• Minimising natural resources such as water, air, soil and minerals and minimising energy usage through energy-saving policies and investment.
• Engagement to convince the visitors of public transportation means or more sustainable alternatives to the car.
• Recycling garbage, reducing it through specific measures, and avoiding environmental endangering substances.
• The consideration of the local population, the maintenance of the cultural Heritage, the promotion of local culture and the inclusion of authenticity.
• Fair labour conditions, optimisation of the degree of occupation, provision of education to the employees and consideration of work-life balance.
• The consideration of the consequences for the visitors before the travel

Conditions

Level I - committed

Companies at Level I are committed to sustainable corporate management and continuously develop their business toward sustainability.

Level II - engaged

Enterprises at Level II are committed to sustainable corporate management and ongoing development in sustainability. In addition, these companies have recognised proof in at least one sustainability dimension.

Level III - leading

Level III companies have a comprehensive, recognised sustainability certificate such as ISO 9001/ 14001, Green Globe, etc., which covers all dimensions of sustainability and is regularly externally verified.

Certified World Heritage properties

The UNESCO label already sets the standards for Level II as a valid label. Thus, many World Heritage properties in Switzerland have already reached Level II of the sustainability program. 

An overview of all certified service providers as well as further information can be found on MySwitzerland.com.