Mountains, chamois, cheese, chocolate – these are the things that come to mind when we think of Switzerland. If the Swiss tourism industry has its way, another item will be added to this list in the next few years: Sustainability. “Swisstainable” is the name of the label that is designed to serve as an indicator for visitors and tourists, but above all to generate sustainable impulses within the industry. With the three-level program from “committed” to “leading”, it offers all those involved in Swiss tourism the opportunity to register, regardless of whether they are just beginning to take action or are already certified.
With “Swisstainable”, the Swiss tourism industry is bringing into focus what it has been silently practising and promoting for many years: sustainable, mindful and conscious travel.
Not surprisingly, many businesses and events immediately reached level 2 (engaged) or 3 (leading) of the program. This is also true for our three Swiss Green Pearls partners.
Arrive car-free at Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt
Switzerland has one of the densest rail networks in Europe. Even the smallest village can be reached by bus or train. Moreover, travelling by train through the rugged mountain landscape over bridges and through tunnels is itself an experience. Great reasons to leave the car behind on your next holiday. In Zermatt you would have to anyway, the village is car-free! Nevertheless, guests do not have to lug their suitcases to the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt outside the village centre, which can be reached in a few minutes by electric taxi from the railway station. In winter, the ski area starts almost directly behind the hotel. When there is no snow, you can reach the Sunnega/Rothorn hiking area in just a few minutes on foot and immerse yourself in nature. You certainly won’t miss your car.
The Bella Vista uses only hydro- electric power and, with a few ex- ceptions, uses regional products from the surrounding area. The breakfast eggs, however, come from the hotel’s own chickens. Doing without plastic bottles and packag- ing, using organic detergents and cleaning agents and using resources sparingly have become a given in the hotel business.
Enjoy sustainability at CERVO Mountain Resort
Sustainable travel protects the environment and in doing so ensures a high level of air and water quality. As a guest at the CERVO Mountain Resort in car-free Zermatt, you can experience this first hand. In the newly designed Mountain Ashram Spa, wellness lovers can immerse themselves in the connection to nature: in a hot Onsen bath fed by spring water under the open sky, during rituals inspired by cultures from all over the world or cocooned in fragrant treatments made from local herbs.
In addition to a sustainable energy concept and conservation of resources, CERVO’s philosophy includes a commitment to social and ecological responsibility – always with a focus on the region. For example, the supply chain is almost completely regional. The hotel works together with various organisations, such as the MitMänsch foundation and institution, to also support social engagement in the region. The CERVO is not only Swisstainable certified, but also demonstrates its holistic sustainable orientation as a founding member of the Responsible Hotels of Switzerland.
Organic as standard at Schloss Wartegg
Did you know that the Swiss are well ahead, if not at the top, in the amount of organic food consumed per capita? Many hotels now also rely on regional and organically grown food. At the hotel Schloss Wartegg on Lake Constance, some of these are even grown by the hotel itself under Demeter standards. And right in the middle of the castle grounds! In addition to the full supply of certified organic products, guests can expect an inspiring environment to relax, unwind and be present surrounded by nature. Those who like to can complement their stay with cultural highlights from the castle’s program.
The Historic Hotels of Europe have just awarded Schloss Wartegg the Gold Award 2022 in the category “Historic Hotel Sustainability” for its sustainable efforts.
Switzerland is increasingly establishing itself as a sustainable travel destination and is now communicating this to the outside world with the Swisstainable campaign. A well-developed rail network, nature-based activities, a wide range of regional and certified organic products and the efforts of hotels such as our Green Pearls partners have created the perfect conditions for a travel experience that connects more deeply and sustainably than merely ticking off Swiss clichés.
