Which criteria does the Global Sustainable Tourism Council assess?

The criteria cover the following areas: Sustainable management Socio-economic sustainability Cultural sustainability Environmental sustainability

Is the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm GSTC certified?

Yes. Since October 2023, the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm has met all ecological, social and cultural criteria, as confirmed by a comprehensive audit carried out by Green Destination. The region subsequently achieved Level 3, the highest Sustainability Label South Tyrol. With this label, we want to highlight our commitment to responsible tourism.

What is the “Tourism Sustainability Programme South Tyrol”?

The “Tourism Sustainability Programme South Tyrol” guides us on our path towards a more sustainable orientation. It is based on the GSTC destination criteria and represents a key step towards a future-proof tourism landscape. The programme helps us assess where we currently stand in various areas of sustainability. Based on this, we develop long-term measures for our region.

What is the region’s sustainability goal?

We want the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm to remain a sustainable and attractive living environment for locals and visitors alike. We also want to reinforce and safeguard our credibility regarding sustainability. All measures must be designed so that their social, economic and environmental impacts benefit future generations.

Sustainability strategy

Sustainability in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm

Tourism and sustainability are closely interconnected – including here in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm. For this reason, we have developed a tourism mission statement that forms the basis for all decisions in the tourism sector and provides guidance for future development. Sustainability is not a fixed state but a path that we must walk together.

Tourism sustainability strategy

Questions about the tourism mission statement

Back in 2006, representatives from tourism, business, environmental protection and politics laid the foundations for the tourism mission statement and concluded that everyone is pursuing the same goals for a liveable and successful future.

: The questions that all those involved have asked themselves include the following: How should tourism in the Dolomites region of the Seiser Alm be shaped? What can tourism contribute to overall economic development? How can traffic during the high season be managed so that the situation remains acceptable for both residents and holidaymakers? And above all: what should tourism bring to the region in the future?
: The mission statement defines the strengths, values and unique characteristics of the Dolomites region Seiser Alm. It also identifies concrete areas of action and key objectives that guide our daily work. The central insight: every tourism-related decision must align with sustainability principles, and all measures must be designed so that future generations benefit from their social, economic and environmental impacts.
: Ideally, the measures contribute not only to tourism but also to local trades, agriculture, commerce, service providers and the wider population. The Dolomites Region Seiser Alm also aims to serve as a model, demonstrating how thoughtful and sustainable decision-making can strengthen the region’s assets and preserve them for the future.

GSTC certified since 2023

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), founded in 2007, promotes international sustainability standards within the tourism sector. The GSTC certification is the highest-level sustainability certification available in tourism – and we have held it since 2023! Every year, external auditors examine the annual report and verify the real progress made by institutions and businesses that hold a GSTC certification.

: The criteria cover the following areas:

Sustainable management

Socio-economic sustainability

Cultural sustainability

Environmental sustainability
: Yes. Since October 2023, the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm has met all ecological, social and cultural criteria, as confirmed by a comprehensive audit carried out by Green Destination. The region subsequently achieved Level 3, the highest Sustainability Label South Tyrol.
With this label, we want to highlight our commitment to responsible tourism.
: The “Tourism Sustainability Programme South Tyrol” guides us on our path towards a more sustainable orientation. It is based on the GSTC destination criteria and represents a key step towards a future-proof tourism landscape.
The programme helps us assess where we currently stand in various areas of sustainability. Based on this, we develop long-term measures for our region.
: We want the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm to remain a sustainable and attractive living environment for locals and visitors alike. We also want to reinforce and safeguard our credibility regarding sustainability. All measures must be designed so that their social, economic and environmental impacts benefit future generations.

The Sustainability Label South Tyrol

Sustainability certification for South Tyrol’s tourism sector

Destinations and accommodation providers that actively contribute to a sustainable future can be awarded the Sustainability Label South Tyrol. This label is based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and was created to standardise understanding of sustainable tourism across South Tyrol.

: As the path towards greater sustainability is long-term, the label is divided into three levels. The more criteria a business meets, the higher its level. Level 3 corresponds to GSTC certification and is internationally recognised.
: Since October 2023, the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm has met all ecological, social and cultural criteria for Level 3. After an in-depth audit by Green Destination, we received Level 3 – the highest Sustainability Label South Tyrol. With this label, we underline our commitment to responsible tourism.
: Yes. These include, among others, the EU Ecolabel, Klima Hotel, Bio Fair Südtirol, Green Sign Hotel and several more. South Tyrolean businesses that hold such certifications may submit them as part of the process to obtain one of the Sustainability Labels South Tyrol.

More information
: Here you’ll find all sustainable accommodation options in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm:

Sustainable accommodations