Pristine nature touches our hearts. As a travel destination, Switzerland is synonymous with spectacular mountains, wild gorges and mystical forests; nature has the power to provide energy. We aim to preserve this for many generations to come.

(credit: Switzerland Tourism/Martin Maegli)

What makes Switzerland a sustainable travel destination?

Switzerland has committed to becoming climate neutral by the year 2050. The starting point for the long-term climate strategy is the net zero emissions target for 2050. Switzerland should not emit more greenhouse gases than can be absorbed naturally or by technical means, limiting global warming to less than 1.5°C.

Swisstainable label

Guests interested in sustainable offers are often lost in the jungle of existing labels. Switzerland Tourism’s aim with Swisstainable is not to create a new certification, but to help guests find their way around. To this end, the team has developed a programme with external experts and in close cooperation with the tourism associations, in which the entire industry can participate. The Swisstainable sustainability program is open to all companies and organizations in the Swiss tourism industry, with three different levels depending on the prerequisites and degrees of commitment from each company: Level 1 Committed / Level 2 Engaged / Level 3 Leading.

Air

The air quality in Switzerland is excellent. It has always been appreciated as a climatic spa destination with beneficial therapeutic effects, and the health-promoting climate of Davos’ mountain air was discovered as far back as 1853.

Water

Switzerland invites guests to swim in the middle of its cities – a truly unique experience. Boasting some 1,500 lakes, Switzerland is seen as Europe’s moated bastion, and is home to the sources of many rivers, including the Rhine and the Rhône.

Conservation

A total of 20 Swiss parks make up more than one-seventh of the land area (5,839 km2). For the past 145 years, the Swiss Forest Act has also been ensuring that 31% of Switzerland remains forested – and this number is rising.

Mobility

Every day, 11,000 trains travel along the roughly 3,000km long SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) network. Even small and remote locations can be reached by public transport. SBB sells around 3 million travel cards every year.

Food

Compared to Switzerland’s international counterparts, residents consume the most organic products per capita. And Swiss retailers have been leading the international sustainability rankings for years.

Recycling

Switzerland is one of the world’s leading countries when it comes to recycling and waste management, with 85% of PET bottles being put to new use.

Learn more at switzerland.com/sustainability