Press Release Tyrol, July 2023
"Truly Sustainable" – Seefeld Plateau as a Model Region
"Truly sustainable" – Seefeld Plateau as a model region
- Numerous lighthouse projects for sustainable orientation implemented
- Truly sustainable: from arrival to gastronomy and leisure activities to accommodation
- Region Seefeld awarded as the first holiday destination with the Austrian Environmental Label
Almost exactly three years ago, the sustainable orientation of the Seefeld region – Tyrol's high plateau was presented under the working title "Green Deal Seefeld". Today, Tuesday, climate protection regional councilor René Zumtobel, together with Christian Wandl, the deputy chairman of TVB Seefeld and chairman of the Karwendel Nature Park, presented the milestones achieved so far at Seefeld station. The efforts are impressive and recognized: Recently, the TVB region Seefeld became the first holiday destination to receive the Austrian Environmental Label.
Whether in Seefeld, Leutasch, Mösern, Reith, or Scharnitz: The region has set ambitious goals to contribute to climate protection and sustainability. From selected businesses as plateau pioneers to climate-friendly energy supply for large hotels, the knowledge hiking trail "KlimaTop" at Reither Moor, to the public travel arrangements for guests, numerous initiatives have been and are being implemented. "In Tyrol, we have set ambitious goals with the Tyrolean Sustainability and Climate Strategy to shape our country for the future, save CO2 emissions, and protect the climate. This requires commitment from politics, businesses, private individuals, and also vacation regions. The Seefeld plateau is a model example and certainly inspires many others to take a similar path. We must take action where we can make a difference," says Climate Protection Regional Councilor Zumtobel, particularly emphasizing the issue of mobility: "A key lever to minimize the CO2 footprint is the travel of the many holiday guests in Tyrol. Here, the region has already implemented many good ideas through the improvement of public transport options and through innovative concepts for local mobility, as well as an incentive system for foregoing travel by car. The region has committed itself to sustainability, fitting to its location in the Karwendel Nature Park – this not only advances us in terms of climate protection but is also very well received by locals and guests." This spring, for example, the region initiated the project "Free Ride to Vacation Happiness". Here, holiday guests receive up to 150 euros of their travel costs reimbursed if they travel in a climate-friendly manner by train or bus. The budget of 60,000 euros provided by the Seefeld region for this pilot project was already depleted after just a few weeks.
From regional breakfast to promoting biodiversity
Deputy Chairman of the TVB and Nature Park Chairman, Christian Wandl, highlighted further best practice examples and also reported on hurdles that needed to be overcome in recent years: "We have decided here in the region to be truly sustainable and not simply apply a green stamp to things. Some measures could be implemented smoothly, while others still require a lot of persuasion, perseverance, and commitment. For example, we were able to establish the so-called Plateau breakfast in twelve accommodation businesses. The breakfast assortment consists solely of regional products. In the case of other dishes, regional procurement poses a major challenge. In any case, we will continue to work on this," said Wandl.
Eight businesses from the TVB communities have come together as "Plateau Pioneers" and are implementing deeper measures. The goal is to encourage at least 15 percent of guests to use public transportation by 2030. They conduct a mobility survey with every guest and define target objectives for their businesses to reduce harmful emissions. "What also characterizes us is the close collaboration with the Karwendel Nature Park. In addition to the numerous activities we offer our guests, we have also managed to create 5,000 square meters of species-rich flower meadows and to implement the climate top around the Reither Moor, which vividly illustrates the effects of climate change," explains Wandl.
First tourism region with the Austrian Eco-Label
Recently, the region became the first destination ever to receive the Austrian Environmental Seal. Regional Minister Zumtobel congratulates: "We have supported this pilot project from the state's side for two years. The efforts of all participants have clearly borne fruit, and I hope that in the future many other regions will actively pursue this path and benefit from the experiences gained: The high plateau should serve as a best-practice example in the future." With the award of the Austrian Environmental Seal, the work of the TVB Region Seefeld is not over: "We will continue to work on making our region more sustainable and climate-friendly," concludes Wandl.
