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, our destination reached its first milestone and was classified as a Swisstainable Destination Level 1 ,,committed''.
Mattia Storni, Head of Marketing and Product Management (responsible for sustainability) is delighted with the classification at Swisstainable Destination Level I - committed:
Being recognised as a Swisstainable Destination is both an incentive and a responsibility for us. For the Saas-Fee/Saas Valley holiday region, sustainability means harmonising ecological protection, social responsibility and economic development. As a destination, we focus on environmentally friendly mobility, regional value creation and community projects to ensure a future worth living for guests and locals.
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
Sandra Hilfiker
Responsible 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
Mattia Storni
Head of Marketing and Product Development
Responsible for sustainability
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee | Valais, Switzerland
mattia.storni@saas-fee.ch
+41 27 958 18 76 | saas-fee.ch