Sustanability in Eppan

The Sustainability Label South Tyrol is based on the internationally recognized standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). These standards were created to define a common basis for sustainable tourism.

The criteria of the label are divided into four central areas:

• Management
• Socio-economy
• Culture
• Ecology

The label offers tourism destinations as well as accommodation and hospitality establishments the opportunity to make their sustainable commitment measurable and visible. As sustainable development is a continuous process, the label is divided into three levels of progress. Each level requires the fulfillment of certain requirements and is checked as part of an audit. The third and therefore highest award complies with GSTC certification and enjoys international recognition.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) was founded in 2007 with the aim of defining globally valid standards for sustainable tourism and making them measurable. These criteria are now regarded as a recognized benchmark for responsibly operating destinations.

The GSTC criteria are divided into four central areas:

• Sustainable management
• Socio-economic sustainability
• Cultural sustainability
• Environmental sustainability

Eppan an der Weinstraße has also set out to meet these demanding standards. Together with Green Destinations, an internationally recognized organization for sustainable destination development, we are currently undergoing the certification process. Our commitment is regularly reviewed and developed further.

More and more regions in Italy are relying on this transparent, reliable system. We in Eppan also want to set a good example and show the way: Sustainable tourism is possible - and a real opportunity for guests, locals and the environment alike.

In 2024, a comprehensive guest survey was conducted in Eppan from March to the beginning of November, in which mainly visitors from Germany (53%), Italy (16%) and Austria (8%) took part.

For their arrival, 64% of guests preferred to use their own car, of which 6% used an electric car and 4% a hybrid vehicle. Around 11% opted to travel by train. There was also a wide range of mobility behavior during their stay: 45% moved around by car, 36% used the public bus and 10% preferred the bicycle. Another important aspect is the Guestpass, which 75% of respondents were aware of and 91% of whom actively used it.

Satisfaction with the price-performance ratio of the accommodation, the gastronomy, the Montiggl lakes and the wide range of activities in Eppan is very high overall.

The main reasons given by guests for their visit were the impressive natural scenery, the pleasant climate and the living culture and tradition. The warm hospitality, “feeling at home”, tasting regional specialties and the many opportunities to be active are also particularly appreciated.

You can view the full results of the survey here:

The municipality of Eppan wants to shape its development in a conscious and sustainable way - with the aim of securing and strengthening the quality of life of its residents in the long term. The current situation is therefore being comprehensively analyzed as part of the municipal development program for space and landscape.

A central element of this process was a comprehensive population survey, which was conducted between mid-January and the end of March 2025. The questionnaire offered all citizens over the age of 16 the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the future of their municipality. In addition to general demographic information, it covered key topics such as housing, landscape, mobility and five specific questions on tourism.

The aim of the survey was to gain a picture of what people in Eppan expect from the future development of their municipality, where they see a need for action and what challenges they perceive - in different areas of life. The assessment of local tourism was an important part of this, but not the only one.

The results of this survey form a valuable basis for the further development of the municipal development program and will be incorporated into the overall process over the next two years together with other participation formats - so that Eppan remains a place worth living in for everyone in the future.

Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important in tourism. As tourism professionals in Eppan, we share a responsibility with the local population to harmonize ecological, economic and social interests. Our Code of Ethics defines core values and is aimed at all those involved in tourism - from hosts and tourism service providers to (day) guests visiting Eppan. The aim is respectful cooperation between people, nature and society in order to preserve the scenic and cultural uniqueness of Eppan in the long term.

We are also committed to

respectful coexistence,

honesty and openness,

authentic, high-quality hospitality,

good and fair working conditions,

a barrier-free and inclusive environment.