Austria inspires with more than just its fascinating landscape and rich cultural offerings. The innovative spirit of the domestic tourism industry in terms of sustainability is just as exceptional.
Indeed, Austria’s tourism achievements in this regard are well-recognized on an international scale. As of 2023, Austria is in the top third place worldwide in the renowned Sustainable Travel Index. It is the outstanding achievements of Austria’s businesses and destinations that have secured us this leading position. They strive every day to render holidays in Austria an even more sustainable experience. The art lies in having as little impact on nature and the environment as possible, taking cultural and social aspects of the regions into consideration, and at the same time creating vivid and authentic experiences. This benefits both travellers and the local population alike.
In this publication, we have compiled 50 examples of best practice from five subject areas. These pioneering projects are innovative examples of how tourism can function in harmony with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability. It should be mentioned that this publication cannot present all of Austria’s noteworthy projects, as there is simply not enough space to fit them all. Nevertheless, the selection provides a good overview of innovations and pioneering projects and acts as a multiplier, providing inspiration and motivation for industry participants to implement further projects.
**Sustainable Winter **
Discover Austria’s winter charm on and beyond the slopes! From environmentally conscious ski resorts, barrier-free snow sports or idyllic hiking villages to atmospheric Christmas markets – here you can experience sustainable adventures in the midst of snow-covered landscapes.
**Sustainable Summer **
Experience the Austrian summer with sustainable activities and the beauty of nature. Enjoy environmentally conscious hiking, organic farm holidays, paddleboarding and colourful festivals that preserve cultural diversity.
**Resources & Circularity **
Enjoy Austria’s commitment to the circular economy: eco-hotels, cultural museums, repair cafés, arts and crafts and sustainable business apps are shaping new consumption patterns and working towards a sustainable future.
**Sustainable Mobility **
Explore more of Austria’s sustainable mobility: from tourism cooperations for soft mobility to cycling infrastructure and sustainable travel tickets. These measures are shaping a green and accessible future of travelling.
**Social Sustainability **
Get to know Austria’s social network for sustainability: With social business hotels, lively art and culture festivals and intergenerational cafés, culture, fair working conditions and social commitment are promoted.
METHODOLOGY
This publication is the result of a comprehensive collaboration between Austria Tourism and Sustainia, a global sustainability consultancy based in Copenhagen.
With guidance from Austria Tourism, Sustainia gathered up-to-date information and data on sustainable tourist best practices throughout Austria to aid the assessment and selection process.
Following the identification of numerous exemplary cases, each was assessed based on four key criteria. In collaboration with Sustainia, the most outstanding exemplary best practices were put forward to be featured in the final publication.
The projects highlighted in the publication, while spotlighting 50 selected cases, encapsulate the ethos of sustainable tourism in Austria and serve as a representation of the broader spectrum of people and practices dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism in the country.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
The 50 featured best practices have been assessed on the following four criteria:
The extent to which the candidates align with the five predefined categories (Sustainable Winter, Sustainable Summer, Resources & Circularity, Sustainable Mobility, and Social Sustainability), as well as the overarching tourism perspective.
The extent to which candidates represent various services and solutions in the tourism sector. In particular, this criterion helps ensure variety within each category whenever possible and showcases the broad range of touristic offers and initiatives in Austria.
The extent to which candidates have a unique solution, significant impact, or additional co-benefits, as well as having credible and complete information.
Exemplary projects from Austria’s nine federal states will be presented in order to showcase the country as a sustainable travel destination in its entirety and to reflect the geographical diversity of what is on offer.
Austria inspires with more than just its fascinating landscape and rich cultural offerings. The innovative spirit of the domestic tourism industry in terms of sustainability is just as exceptional.
Indeed, Austria’s tourism achievements in this regard are well-recognized on an international scale. As of 2023, Austria is in the top third place worldwide in the renowned Sustainable Travel Index. It is the outstanding achievements of Austria’s businesses and destinations that have secured us this leading position. They strive every day to render holidays in Austria an even more sustainable experience. The art lies in having as little impact on nature and the environment as possible, taking cultural and social aspects of the regions into consideration, and at the same time creating vivid and authentic experiences. This benefits both travellers and the local population alike.
In this publication, we have compiled 50 examples of best practice from five subject areas. These pioneering projects are innovative examples of how tourism can function in harmony with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability. It should be mentioned that this publication cannot present all of Austria’s noteworthy projects, as there is simply not enough space to fit them all. Nevertheless, the selection provides a good overview of innovations and pioneering projects and acts as a multiplier, providing inspiration and motivation for industry participants to implement further projects.
**Sustainable Winter **
Discover Austria’s winter charm on and beyond the slopes! From environmentally conscious ski resorts, barrier-free snow sports or idyllic hiking villages to atmospheric Christmas markets – here you can experience sustainable adventures in the midst of snow-covered landscapes.
**Sustainable Summer **
Experience the Austrian summer with sustainable activities and the beauty of nature. Enjoy environmentally conscious hiking, organic farm holidays, paddleboarding and colourful festivals that preserve cultural diversity.
**Resources & Circularity **
Enjoy Austria’s commitment to the circular economy: eco-hotels, cultural museums, repair cafés, arts and crafts and sustainable business apps are shaping new consumption patterns and working towards a sustainable future.
**Sustainable Mobility **
Explore more of Austria’s sustainable mobility: from tourism cooperations for soft mobility to cycling infrastructure and sustainable travel tickets. These measures are shaping a green and accessible future of travelling.
**Social Sustainability **
Get to know Austria’s social network for sustainability: With social business hotels, lively art and culture festivals and intergenerational cafés, culture, fair working conditions and social commitment are promoted.
METHODOLOGY
This publication is the result of a comprehensive collaboration between Austria Tourism and Sustainia, a global sustainability consultancy based in Copenhagen.
With guidance from Austria Tourism, Sustainia gathered up-to-date information and data on sustainable tourist best practices throughout Austria to aid the assessment and selection process.
Following the identification of numerous exemplary cases, each was assessed based on four key criteria. In collaboration with Sustainia, the most outstanding exemplary best practices were put forward to be featured in the final publication.
The projects highlighted in the publication, while spotlighting 50 selected cases, encapsulate the ethos of sustainable tourism in Austria and serve as a representation of the broader spectrum of people and practices dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism in the country.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
The 50 featured best practices have been assessed on the following four criteria:
The extent to which the candidates align with the five predefined categories (Sustainable Winter, Sustainable Summer, Resources & Circularity, Sustainable Mobility, and Social Sustainability), as well as the overarching tourism perspective.
The extent to which candidates represent various services and solutions in the tourism sector. In particular, this criterion helps ensure variety within each category whenever possible and showcases the broad range of touristic offers and initiatives in Austria.
The extent to which candidates have a unique solution, significant impact, or additional co-benefits, as well as having credible and complete information.
Exemplary projects from Austria’s nine federal states will be presented in order to showcase the country as a sustainable travel destination in its entirety and to reflect the geographical diversity of what is on offer.
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