Holiday Region Gstaad Awarded Swisstainable Destination Level III - Leading

The certification is the result of a long-term process in which sustainability was anchored as a fixed component of the tourism strategy adapted in 2025. Ecological, economic, and social parameters have been examined in the TourCert audit and scrutinised in regard to sustainability using an internationally recognised system along the entire tourism value chain. TourCert is an independent certification organisation that certifies tourism businesses and destinations in the implementation of a sustainable approach.

"After a long and intensive process, we are very proud to have achieved this Level III – leading recognition," says Patrick Bauer, Head of Destination Development & Sustainability at GST. "Particularly valuable for us is that the entire region is committed to this path. Sustainability is not a closed state but a continual process of improvement. We aim to further advance our efforts, to sensitise stakeholders, guests, and the population to secure the future of our living space."

Sustainability as a Shared Responsibility

The 2025 sustainability report of the Gstaad destination shows the importance of tourism for the region. In 2024, tourism generated a total revenue of 419 million francs, with 290 million francs directly and 129 million francs indirectly. About 36 percent of all jobs in the region are directly related to tourism.

This economic dimension represents a clear responsibility towards the local population. Certification not only strengthens external positioning but also has local effects: It creates transparency, promotes dialogue, and provides guidance for businesses, employees, and residents.

Broad Support in the Region

The Gstaad destination meets the demanding criteria for Swisstainable Destination Level III – leading. By the end of April, 98 tourism businesses had an environmental or sustainability label, including 16 hotels, the Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad (BDG), the Glacier3000 cable cars, the Montreux–Berner Oberland Railway (MOB), PostAuto AG, the Menuhin Festival Gstaad, the sports centre, 70 holiday apartments, and commercial enterprises. The proportion of classified partner businesses has steadily increased in recent years and is currently 22%, with a rate of 39% among hotels.

Furthermore, the newly established Sustainability Council within the Destination Council has created a platform that systematically accompanies further development, prioritises measures, and ensures the inclusion of relevant stakeholders.

Low-Threshold Sustainability in Practice

The sustainable direction of the region is evident in numerous projects and offerings: Ranger tours in the Lauenensee Nature Reserve provide guests with knowledge about nature and landscapes, and regional initiatives for regional products like "ÄCHT VO HIE" strengthen local value chains. With the Gstaad Card, overnight guests use public transport (train and bus) in the wider region free of charge all year round. The share of arrivals by train and bus has steadily increased in recent years and is now about one-third.

Clean-Up Days with schools and cable cars raise environmental awareness in the next generation. Through the Tourism Academy, stakeholders are specifically trained, among other things, in barrier-free tourism (OK:GO) and in the requirements of Swisstainable.

"We are noticing a growing demand for sustainable offerings, particularly from tour operators and in the MICE sector," says Ariane Ludwig, Head of Marketing, Communication & Sales. "TourCert certification provides orientation and builds trust. Many businesses are already implementing important measures – the Swisstainable Destination programme makes our commitment as a tourism destination even more visible and clearly comprehensible to our guests."

National Embedding and International Recognition

Swisstainable Destination is a programme from Switzerland Tourism, supervised by the Swiss Tourism Association (STV) and developed in coordination with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. It is a visible sign that makes sustainability in Swiss tourism transparent. For classification at Level III – leading, an external, internationally recognised certification by TourCert according to international standards (ISO, EMAS, and criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council GSTC) is mandatory.

Thus, the Gstaad holiday region further systematically develops contemporary tourism. Sustainability remains a joint process, carried by businesses, guests, and the local population – with the aim of making the region liveable and sustainable for the future.

Contact for further questions:
Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Patrick Bauer
Head of Destination Development & Sustainability
Tel. +41 33 748 81 65 patrick.bauer@gstaad.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus