The Vorarlberg Alpine region boasts mountains, lakes and cultural diversity. This natural beauty and cultural identity are the basis for our attractiveness as a tourist destination. Sustainable tourism offers us the opportunity to preserve the region in harmony with nature and the communities and to shape it for the future.
In the face of ecological and social challenges, the Vorarlberg Alpine Region is committed to responsible solutions - together with partners, the local population and our guests. Our strategy is based on the global goals of the Agenda 2030 and international standards for sustainable tourism. The goals are to protect Alpine habitats, reduce the ecological footprint and strengthen the local economy.
This strategy is the beginning of a common path: a promise to protect our natural and cultural heritage and secure a future worth living - for guests, locals and future generations.
Together, we want to take responsibility for protecting our habitats, strengthening the regional economy and creating a sustainable future for everyone - today and for generations to come.
Wiebke Meyer Managing Director of Alpenregion Bludenz Tourismus GmbH
How do we understand sustainable development?
Holistic development of the Alpine region: sustainable tourism and (heritage) habitat
The Vorarlberg Alpine region is more than just a tourist destination - for us it is home, a valuable habitat for people and nature. Holistic development is based on sustainable tourism that creates recreation and experiences in harmony with the environment. The aim is to preserve the natural beauty, promote the local economy and secure the quality of life for locals and visitors in the long term. In this way, the region remains a place to live, work and discover.
The priority model of sustainability represents a clear hierarchy between the three pillars of sustainability - ecology, social affairs and economy. The protection of natural resources has top priority, as an intact environment forms the basis for social well-being and economic activity. The social dimension follows with the aim of ensuring justice, education and quality of life for all. The economy is understood as a serving system that operates within ecological and social limits. This model emphasizes that only action in harmony with nature and the needs of society is sustainable in the long term.
Plan for the future, because that's where you'll spend the rest of your life.
Mark Twain american writer
Our action plan for the sustainable development of tourism in the Alpine region
The Austrian Ecolabel for destinations
Our next goal is to be certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations. Professional consultants are currently guiding us through this process. "The journey is the reward" - and so we have already been able to design and implement many future-oriented offers, projects and ideas while working on the topics of management, socio-economics, environmental and climate protection, biodiversity, nature and landscape conservation, mobility and culture.
The annual reports of Alpenregion Bludenz Tourismus GmbH show the economic and sustainable development of the region and are an important basis for future decisions. They reflect the progress and impact of strategies and measures.
Alpenregion Bludenz Tourismus GmbH assumes responsibility, both as a tourist destination and as an employer. Through these measures and areas of responsibility, we show how a tourism company can contribute to economic development and also have a positive and sustainable impact on the environment and society. By acting in an exemplary manner both as an employer and as a destination manager, the company contributes to the long-term sustainability and attractiveness of the Alpine region.
The Vorarlberg Cable Car Association represents the interests of 70 members in 32 ski resorts. Throughout Vorarlberg, 303 cable cars and lifts are in operation, serving a total of 1,000 kilometers of slopes. On average, the companies invest 64 million euros per year in cable cars and lifts, snow safety, sustainability projects, gastronomy offers and much more.
The sustainability of the Vorarlberg cable car industry is always at the center of public interest. For this reason, the Vorarlberg cable car specialist group has collected all measures and facts relating to the topic of the future and prepared them in a folder. Thanks to this inventory, measures can now be implemented in an even more targeted manner. All measures taken by the mountain railroads in this area are bundled under the sustainability umbrella brand "Bergliebe".
You can find the Vorarlberger Seilbahnen 2023/24 sustainability report here.
Sustainable development is only possible by recording the current situation and through open communication. How good is the water quality in the region? How is our climate changing? How much natural space is available? Answers to many questions are compiled here.
Sustainable travel starts with planning: choose environmentally friendly accommodation and a climate-friendly journey. Even small things can help once you're there - drink tap water, hire equipment, respect nature, stay on paths and respect quiet zones.
One important step towards reducing CO2 is to know your own footprint. Here you can find out how high your ecological footprint is. You can see why you should also consider the ecological footprint for your vacation if you calculate your total ecological footprint is considered.
We should preserve the world. With a conscious approach and sustainable decisions, we can work together to ensure that our children and grandchildren can also experience the beauty of travel.
Set an example now: Design your vacation with us mindfully and in harmony with nature.
Every little contribution counts - and it only takes a moment.
