Sustainability at Interlaken Tourismus

Focus on natural and cultural experiences

Interlaken Tourism promotes sustainable tourism development and actively supports the provision of culture-based and nature-related offers and services in the Holiday Region Interlaken. The focus is on attractive experiences for environmentally friendly, socially responsible guests who bring economic benefits to the region. Interlaken Tourism also supports measures aimed at improving quality of life for people who live in the region.

The Holiday Region Interlaken has a unique natural and cultivated landscape – and conserving that environment as effectively as possible matters. Improving experiences of nature and culture for guests to the region is critical. Active support is given to effective, environmentally friendly measures that enhance quality of life for guests and locals. That’s why we do everything in our power to preserve the region’s natural values and traditions.

     

Our vision for sustainability

“We promote sustainable tourism development and actively support culture-based and nature-related offers and services in the Holiday Region Interlaken.”

Interlaken Tourism is always striving to develop the destination while encouraging guests, partners and employees to think and act with sustainability in mind. By adopting the strategic motto "stay longer – experience more", Interlaken Tourism invites guests to enjoy sustainable travel experiences in the Holiday Region Interlaken.

Interlaken Tourism is "Swisstainable"

Interlaken Tourism has held the Swisstainable label"engaged" (level II of III) since 2022 and is thereby supporting Switzerland Tourism’s strategy of becoming the world’s most sustainable travel destination. With this in mind, an in-house sustainability programme has been introduced to promote the health of employees while targeting resources and emissions (e.g. by cutting carbon emissions in marketing). Through partner management, Interlaken Tourism enhances the positive effects of tourism and awareness in our handling of natural resources. We also encourage our partners to get involved in the Swisstainable initiative while promoting communication to raise awareness among holidaymakers, conference attendees and day trippers.

A sustainable travel experience

Our professional service, friendly welcome and exceptional quality guarantees guests an unforgettable holiday. Wherever practical and economically viable, Interlaken Tourism prioritises and supports sustainable means of conveyance such as public transport. Sustainability is also a priority in activities and events, for example through the consistent deployment of packaging return systems and deposit schemes. The sparing use of resources and a continuous reduction in energy consumption are key pillars of the company’s corporate culture (Interlaken Tourism uses 100% green electricity).

Quality, not quantity

Quality matters in the tourism sector. In the Holiday Region Interlaken, the satisfaction and well-being of guests comes first. Since 2012, Interlaken Tourism has proudly operated a certified management system based on ISO certification under 9001:2015. We continually review and optimise our quality levels to ensure high standards.

Destination management

We are mindful of our obligation to set an example as a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and commit to various sustainability projects with this in mind. For example, we are part of a project aimed at ensuring carbon neutrality for the East Oberland tourism region. We also support the Cultivated Landscape Prize for the East Oberland region, which recognises the best cultivated landscapes in the eastern part of the Bernese Oberland and promote barrier-free travel through our partnership with the Claire & George foundation. The city of Interlaken also attaches high importance to environmentally sound and regional energy supplies and was awarded the "Energy City" label in 2003.

These three tips will help you ensure your next visit to the Holiday Region Interlaken is a better and more environmentally friendly experience.

  • Tip 1: Travel environmentally friendly in our holiday region. Take a direct train connection from Zurich Airport or Montreux to Interlaken Ost. For full information on getting to Interlaken, click here.

  • Tip 2: "Stay longer – experience more". Extend your stay to explore the full diversity of the Holiday Region Interlaken – at any time of the year, there’s a great deal to discover around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The staff of the Tourist Information Interlaken will be pleased to advise you over the phone or in person over the counter.

  • Tip 3: Shop locally to support culture. How about a glass of wine from Spiez? Or perhaps you would like to admire the craftsmanship behind the scenes at the traditional Woodcarving Museum in Brienz?

For more practical tips on sustainable and responsible travel, refer to the brochure "Tips for a Responsible Traveller" from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

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