The sustainability programme Swisstainable has been extended from the individual businesses to the destination level. Now an entire destination can participate in the national tourism programme and thus contribute significantly to the sustainable development of Swiss tourism and position itself as a responsible destination.
The destination programme is divided into three levels in order to take into account the different requirements and the varying degrees of commitment of the tourism destinations.
Classification as a Swisstainable Destination
At the end of 2024, the holiday region Saas-Fee/Saastal reached an important first milestone and was awarded the Swisstainable Destination Level I – committed classification. The destination has now taken the next step: as the second destination in Switzerland, Saas-Fee/Saastal has advanced to the higher Level II – engaged. This achievement confirms the destination’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, which has continuously been developed together with local tourism partners and service providers over the past months.
Iwan Bitschin, Head of Marketing and Communication, on achieving Swisstainable Destination Level II – engaged:
“Reaching Level II as a Swisstainable Destination confirms that the path we have chosen with our sustainability strategy resonates throughout the destination. In Saas-Fee/Saastal, sustainability is not an empty promise, but something that is lived day by day by our service providers and the local community. Through close collaboration with our partners, we continue to evolve and encourage more and more businesses to join us on this journey. Together, we remain committed to continuously strengthening our contribution to responsible tourism in the Saas Valley.”
A responsible destination that also considers social and ecological aspects makes an essential contribution to the sustainable development of Swiss tourism.
A more efficient use of resources leads to cost savings and economic benefits.
Destinations with a demonstrable commitment to sustainability have a wide range of potential. A consistent focus enables them to strengthen their image as a responsible destination and position themselves accordingly.
Swisstainable participants benefit from targeted and effective campaigns and marketing measures by Switzerland Tourism and other tourism umbrella organisations.
There is a growing target group of guests with an affinity for sustainability who increasingly expect tourism providers to implement sustainability measures and to take sustainability aspects into account in the design of their offers.
Sustainability is also increasingly an important decision-making criterion for booking and travel portals as well as for events and business tourism.
In times of a shortage of skilled workers, responsible businesses and destinations have a decisive advantage in recruitment and employer branding.
A systematic commitment to sustainability can reduce dependencies, strengthen resilience and support good cooperation with partners in the destination. Studies have also shown that sustainable destinations recover more quickly from setbacks.
A systematic analysis of sustainability aspects reveals weaknesses as well as strengths and thus enables the targeted further development of a destination.
The requirements regarding sustainability commitments are increasing due to new legal frameworks, regulations, and programmes. Those who prepare early and anticipate new regulations gain a competitive advantage.
Did you miss our webinar?
Here you can find the recording and the presentation of our webinar in cooperation with the Swiss Tourism Federation on 27.06.2023.
Learn more about the programme and find answers to your questions.
Contact
Yves Audrimont
Sustainability & Communication Manager
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee | Valais, Switzerland
yves.audrimont@saas-fee.ch
+41 27 958 18 74 | saas-fee.ch
Sandra Hilfiker
Contact person for the Swisstainable programme
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee | Valais, Switzerland
sandra.hilfiker@saas-fee.ch
+41 27 958 18 68 | saas-fee.ch
Iwan Bitschin
Head of Marketing and Communication Development
Responsible for sustainability
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee | Valais, Switzerland
iwan.bitschin@saas-fee.ch
+41 27 958 18 65 | saas-fee.ch