Austria. Media News. A sustainable future in and for tourism

  

Dear friend of Austria,                                                     

When talking about the future of tourism it all circles around one big question - how can we create experiences that we all can enjoy now AND will also help rebuild/upkeep our resources, so that the next generations will be able to enjoy the world in the same way? 

Let us introduce you to three of our favorite initiatives tackling the future of travel and tourism in Austria.

For more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Warmly,

Managers of Public Relations
Austria Tourism New York City
sigrid.pichler@austria.info; NEW PHONE NUMBER (646) 418 0701
helen.bitschnau@austria.info; NEW PHONE NUMBER (646) 418 0699
www.austria.info

   

Saalfelden Leogang is one primary example of an Austrian region that talks about sustainability and takes action with the locals. From hotels focusing on sustainability to bike trails built with pure (wo)men's power instead of heavy machinery all the way to the region-wide community project "Initiative T∞gether". 

The environmental effects of climate change become more and more evident all around the world - in the Austrian Alps as well. The tourism region of Saalfelden Leogang is the first one in Austria to offer a weekly climate hike talking about the visible and tangible consequences of climate change in the region. It breaks down the global crisis to a local level, illustrating why action is urgently needed without pointing fingers. 

Hikers learn about a wide range of climate change effects: from the climatic forest (sustainable use and replanting of natural forests) to the future of tourism developments (or lack thereof) in the Alps, from permafrost to settlement scars, and the necessary adaptations for extreme weather events. Guide and co-developer Anna Heuberger wants to shed light on climate change and collectively discuss its implications.

One prime example of sustainable accommodation in Saalfelden Leogang is the Biohotel Rupertus - using 100% green energy, serving organic and local products for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering nature-friendly cosmetic products in the rooms, and more. For more than 20 years, the Blumenkamp family has been focusing on offering their guests a sustainable stay while giving back to nature and the local community. 

  

As vineyards will awaken in just a couple of days (May 4 is the official start of Wine Spring), the anticipation in the Wachau region of Lower Austria is palpable. Here, amidst the picturesque banks of the Danube River, a story of sustainability unfolds, woven by the hands of the passionate winegrowers of Vinea Wachau (association of Wachau winemakers). For the first time, wines from around 150 wineries of the Wachau - specifically the categories Steinfeder®, Federspiel®, and Smaragd® - are proudly wearing the "Sustainable Austria" label. 

What is a sustainable wine and what are the criteria to receive the certification? The certification process, which takes a close look at the economic practices of a winery, takes at least one year and covers all processes in the vineyard and cellar. The evaluation does not only focus on ecological working methods, but also on social and economic parameters.

Sustainability in the Wachau is more than just a buzzword—it's a way of life. As the wine year begins anew, Vinea Wachau embraces innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact. From harnessing renewable energy to implementing eco-friendly transportation, every decision is guided by a deep respect for the planet and its resources.

Additionally, to the certification, Vinea Wachau started a biodiversity offensive including measures like: 

The Austria Guides for Future, comprised of certified tour guides in Vienna, are dedicated to showcasing environmental and climate protection efforts during their tours. Whether on foot, bicycle, or public transportation, they offer Vienna's guests a multilingual exploration of the city's green initiatives, including water features and vegetation on building facades, district cooling centers, solar roofs, urban green spaces, and sustainable city districts.

Their thematic tours span a wide spectrum, from examining climate protection along the Danube Canal to sustainable urban development near the main station, exploring historic parks and nature reserves, and discussing consumption habits. The overarching goal of their tours is to blend nature and culture. In contrast to conventional tourism, which often emphasizes rapid consumption of cultural attractions within a limited timeframe, Austria Guides for Future advocate for a more intentional exploration of the city.

For more information on sustainable holidays in Austria and exemplary initiatives visit our website and have a look at the fresh-off-the-press publication "Sustainability in Austria - Best Practices in Tourism".