Sustainability means using resources sparingly and mindfully, with regard to the future and its consequences, to improve the ecological, human and economic health and preserve them for future generations. With the sustainability programme "Swisstainable", Switzerland Tourism wants to commit itself and the industry to a sustainable travel destination.
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.
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:
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:
Companies at Level I are committed to sustainable corporate management and continuously develop their business toward sustainability.
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 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.
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.