Sustanability in Eppan

In South Tyrol a plaque is given to destinations, accommodation and catering establishments actively committed to a sustainable future: the Sustainability Label South Tyrol. Based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, it gives recognition to entities in the tourism industry that ensure the protection of our nature and the people. These entities tirelessly contribute to making South Tyrol a more sustainable place by implementing concrete measures.

Because sustainability is a long-term goal, there are three levels of the Sustainability Label. Various criteria must be met for each level. The third, which is the highest, corresponds to the GSTC certification and is therefore globally recognized.

We are proud to have achieved Level 3 of the Sustainability Label South Tyrol, a recognition that makes us an international model of sustainability. We meet the highest GSTC standards, fully embracing ecological, socio-economic, and cultural aspects. Thanks to an intelligent visitor management, we protect and make our cultural sites accessible, while targeted guidelines allow us to reduce light and noise pollution. The responsible management of water resources also involves local businesses to ensure a collaborative approach. We pay great attention to the protection of sensitive natural areas and continuously monitor the impact of tourism on the environment because we believe in a sustainable future for everyone.

The foundation of the South Tyrol Sustainability Label is based on the internationally recognized criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC was founded in 2007 with the aim of defining and making measurable globally valid and comparable standards for sustainable tourism. Today, these criteria serve as an international reference framework for destinations committed to responsible tourism practices.

The GSTC criteria are structured into four central areas of action:
• Sustainable management
• Socio-economic sustainability
• Cultural sustainability
• Environmental sustainability

The Eppan Tourist Association underwent an independent audit in accordance with the GSTC-recognized standard of IDM South Tyrol and was successfully certified. The certification was carried out by Green Destinations, an internationally recognized and GSTC-accredited certification body.

The successful audit confirms that Eppan an der Weinstraße meets the high requirements of the South Tyrol Sustainability Label at Level 3 and that the GSTC criteria are comprehensively embedded in the destination’s development. Our commitment to sustainability is therefore transparent, credible, and internationally comparable.

For us, this recognition is not an endpoint, but an important milestone. Sustainable tourism in Eppan means taking long-term responsibility, continuing to learn together with local stakeholders, and preserving our natural and cultural landscape as a place worth living in for future generations.

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.