And Switzerland Tourism is harnessing this with its Swisstainable campaign. More than a campaign in fact, Swisstainable is a country-wide philosophy that is helping to position Switzerland as one of the top destinations in the world for sustainable travel.
We had the privilege to talk with Pascal Prinz, Director Global Accounts & Emerging Markets at Switzerland Tourism, and this week’s Insightful destination expert, to find out more about Swisstainable, and why you should visit Switzerland. You can also test your knowledge in our Insightful Trivia game.
For travel inspiration: Switzerland destination guide
SWISSTAINABLE – MORE THAN A STRATEGY
“That’s why we came up with Swisstainable. Together. It is not just us at Switzerland Tourism, but a movement in the whole country with the entire tourism industry participating, including the local population and politicians. We all want to join forces to create a strong sustainability movement and community within Switzerland.”
A NEW APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
“We are very pleased with the results so far,” Pascal says. “Around 1,900 Swiss service providers have already joined. We still have a way to go, but we are seeing a strong interest from the Swiss tourism industry. We are also convinced that this will further help us to position Switzerland as one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world.”
SWITZERLAND AS A SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION
The country boasts one of the tightest rail networks in the world. Each day some 9,600 trains travel along some 1,864 miles (3,000 km) of track, reaching even the furthest, small and remote locations.
“One of my personal highlights, as part of the Swisstainable movement, is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, which is an exclusive rail only “best of” itinerary where you can experience many of the beautiful small villages and towns.” Pascal enthuses. “I always tell people that when you travel to Switzerland you should experience all four language regions,” he advises, referring to French, German, Italian and Romansh. “If you really want to understand the country and the people then you should see them all.”
“I also love the lakes. The water is so clean and relaxing,” he continues. “On Lake Lucerne you have climate-friendly vessels with amazing views, including the first carbon-neutral passenger ship in Switzerland.” With some 1,500 lakes, Switzerland, is seen as Europe’s most moated bastion, with travellers even able to swim in the middle of cities.
Read more: Why you should visit Switzerland in the off season, by this Travel Director
THE BEST FOOD, WINE AND AIR
“I also love our Swiss wine, which people may not know much about but really should experience,” he advises. “Some beautiful places to visit in Switzerland if you love wine are the Lake Geneva region, Montreux, Valais, Zermatt and Ticino.”
Switzerland is of course world famous for its chocolate, thanks to the innovative spirit of the country’s 19th century chocolatiers. The country is in fact credited as the first to combine chocolate with milk.
Switzerland’s air quality is also excellent. The country is renowned as a climactic spa destination with beneficial therapeutic effects. The health-promoting climate of Davos’ Mountain air was discovered as far back as 1853. And the country is one of the world’s leading recyclers, with almost 90% of PET bottles being put to good use.
ELEGIBILITY FOR SWISSTAINABLE
“First of all, it is a free programme, and we encourage as many hotels, restaurants, cable ways and businesses to join as we can,” Pascal explains. “They are then awarded one of three levels. Swisstainable itself though is not designed as a certification process, but provides guidance for guests”
“At Level I, Committed, you are saying I want to join this movement, I want to be part of it, and committing to having a sustainable practice in your company,” Pascal expands. “At Level II, Engaged, you have at least one qualification or certification that proves you already have sustainable practices in place. Level III, Leading, is for those that have various certifications, coupled with a comprehensive sustainability strategy.”
Participants and projects are also assessed on; whether they treat nature and natural resources with care and respect; that they generate added value for the local population and the region; and that they let the guests experience our country in an authentic way, close to nature but still having respect for the environment in a considered way.
Related content: 7 fascinating facts about Switzerland’s world famous Glacier Express
SWISSTAINABLE GOALS
“We aim to increase the length of time that guests stay in the country and will be measuring this in the future. And we want to firmly position Switzerland in the top three of the world’s most sustainable destinations, according to leading international rankings, such as the Yale Environmental Performance index and the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Development index.
“Something very special about this programme, besides being good for the planet and Switzerland, is that it is also a team-building programme.” Pascal says proudly. “We are really one Swiss tourism unity, and it helps to collaborate and work together, from the destination to the hotel to the cableway to the restaurant.”
INSIGHT AND SWISSTAINABLE
Insight guests are invited on a guided tour and a tasting of seasonal juices at Culinarium Alpinum, a centre of excellence for cuisine in the Alpine region. A former Capuchin Monastery, this unique enclave in Stans revolves around the diversity of the Alpine region. Schnaps distillers, cheesemakers, bakers and sommeliers come together here to jointly shape the future of Swiss culinary culture. Your tour of the monastery is a journey through history, from the Capuchin monastic order to a modern-day centre for excellence.
This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of “Responsible Production and Consumption”, thanks to the edible garden they’ve created. Here you can find fruits, vegetables, berries and aromatic herbs, some of which are rare and endangered. At Culinarium Alpinum, they are making a significant contribution to preserving the important regional culinary heritage, and reintroducing traditional flavours and tastes of the region that were being lost.
Read more: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Why developing meaningful travel experiences has never been more important