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    People at the centre: Fair Play in the holiday destination Austria

    Cooperation is often the key to fairness. That's why in Austria, fair play stands for an inclusive society where everyone takes responsibility - guests, hosts, their team and the locals. Getting all the key players on the same page opens up economic, cultural and social opportunities for Austria as a tourist destination.

    Social sustainability means taking over responsibility for others

    Nature and inspiration are the main pillars of holidays in Austria; mountains and lakes, art and culture, culinary delights and organic farming are its specialties. All these experiences have long been accompanied by awareness and consistent sustainability measures. At best, responsibility for humans, animals, environment and climate is shared by everyone involved. When it comes to social sustainability, the key players are...

    • Guests, who minimise their CO2 footprint and consider the well-being of others.
    • Hosts, who are committed to accessibility and inclusion, as well as fair working conditions for their employees.
    • Austria and its regions: With intact landscapes, clean waters, renewable energy sources and historic preservation, they ensure climate-friendly measures.
    Küchenteam im Biohotel Stillebach im Pitztal
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    3 aspects of social sustainability

    • Genießerhotel Die Forelle- Family Müller
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      Austria's family businesses: Sustainable togetherness

      In Austria, hotels, restaurants and wineries have been run by families with heart and soul for generations. That's the reason why guests can experience genuine hospitality.
      Austria's family businesses
    • Schärding bei Nacht
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      Historic preservation is climate protection

      Historic preservation is synonymous with sustainability: It saves resources, prevents the sealing of green spaces, protects animals, and plays a socio-cultural role.
    • Lady in a wheelchair in a nature surrounding
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      Accessible Travel

      Accessible hotels and restaurants, museums and nature experiences in Austria's most beautiful regions.
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    Holidays for everyone - indoors and outdoors

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    Social responsibility of Austria's hosts

    • Magdalensberg
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      Gipfelhaus Magdalensberg: Of generations and hospitality

      At the Gipfelhaus Magdalensberg in Carinthia, traditional handwork and inventiveness are combined with the passion of the Skorianz family. Find out more in the interview with manager Heike Skorianz. 
      Traditional handwork, inventiveness, and passion
    • Obertilliach im Schnee
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      Obertilliach in East Tirol: far away from tourist hotspots

      Here, traditions are lived out in harmony with nature. But the “Tilga” are also open to new ideas. Just like Josef Lugger the owner of Gasthof Unterwöger.
      Immerse yourself in stunning nature
    • Die Gastgeber Andrea und Mike Schwarzenbacher des Restaurant Mangolds
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      Restaurant Mangold: flavour architect in Vorarlberg

      At Restaurant Mangold in Lochau, some things have always been different: such as a differently defined regionality and revolutionary working hours.
      A perfect couple

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What does social sustainability mean?

      When it comes to social sustainability in Austria as a tourist destination, all "key players" take responsibility:

      • Guests, who travel sustainably minimise their carbon footprint and show consideration for the well-being of others - especially for those who live and work in Austria.
      • Hosts, who are committed to accessibility and inclusion, but also to fair working conditions for their employees.
      • Austria and its regions: With intact landscapes, clean waters, renewable energy sources and historic preservation, they ensure climate-friendly measures.
    • What does sustainable travel mean?

      Those who value their own well-being in line with environmental responsibility at home usually want to travel sustainably as well. Sustainable holidays mean being inspired and experience beautiful things - all while keeping an eye on nature, climate protection and a good coexistence with the people who live in the holiday region. From swimming in a lake to winter holidays, from visiting a restaurant to cultural excursions: Those who minimise their carbon footprint and live sustainably at home keep it that way when travelling:

      Ecologically: As a holiday destination, Austria ensures intact landscapes and clean waters. Sustainable travel means immersing yourself in these precious natural landscapes with respect and consideration.

      Economically: Austria uses renewable energy sources and has many other climate-friendly initiatives. Those who travel sustainably choose climate-neutral or climate-positive accommodations as well as public transport in climate and energy model regions.

      Social: Mutual understanding is being encouraged, and accessibility and inclusion constantly expanded.

    • What is a sustainable restaurant?
      • They prepare seasonal dishes.
      • They use regional ingredients.
      • Organic and fair trade products are at the centre.
      • Drinking water is being treated with care.
      • They make sure to not waste food.
      • Products are purchased from local and regional producers.
      • Fruits and vegetables are home-grown.
      • There is a plan for waste avoidance and recycling.
      • Employees are passionate about sustainability.
    • Why is historic preservation important for climate protection?

      Historic preservation is climate protection: When historic buildings are revitalized and maintained - instead of building new ones - less material is used and less drinking water is wasted. It also avoids construction waste and further sealing of valuable green spaces. Many historic buildings are made of natural materials sourced from their surroundgs. When professionally repaired, such regional materials are used to preserve originality - another contribution to reducing the CO₂ footprint. In addition, the population of animal and plant species is protected. So, on an ecological level, historic preservation is the gold standard.

      Socio-cultural and economic sustainability also come into play in historic preservation: Preserved monuments benefit the entire region as guests can marvel at the historic buildings. And finally, historic preservation is also a gain in economic terms, as regional craftsmen and women are hired.

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      Sustainability in Austria: Holidays with a Clean Conscience

      What is a "sustainable holiday"? It means treating resources and nature in a way that future generations will still have the chance to experience Austria's quality of life.
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      Tips for a Sustainable Winter Holiday in Austria

      Winter and skiing holidays in Austria's Alps are legendary. To keep it that way, a lot is changing right now to make winter holidays more sustainable.
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