Kitzbüheler Alpen St. Johann in Tirol Tourism Association is delighted to received the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations award. After very intensive preparations, a two-day audit in June and numerous measures being put in place, in August 2025 the region was unconditionally certified by the VKI [The Consumer’s Association of Austria].
The Austrian Ecolabel is regarded as the highest state award for sustainability in tourism and confirms the region’s commitment to the environment, climate protection and quality of life. There are currently only eleven destinations throughout Austria who have this quality seal, of which four are in Tyrol. The St. Johann in Tirol region is also among the 19 pilot regions that have been involved in the development of the criteria list since 2022.
The certification is based on 100 criteria, in six themed areas, incorporating both mandatory and directory provisions. Out of a total of 372 questions, 222 were answered in detail. The region is simultaneously implementing numerous measures – from the introduction of Okto Wanderbus services and the TeamCard, to the use of reusable cups and shuttle bus services for events and intensive dialogue with partner businesses and the general population.
Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations
The sustainability award for the St. Johann in Tirol region!
Sustainability is considered in all areas - for instance, events are to be organised according to Green Event guidelines as far as possible, whereby the emphasis is on waste prevention, regional foods and environmentally-friendly travel. Tourist-based offers, including guided Moor Hikes as well as the KAT Walk and KAT Bike projects have been developed in such a way that they promote sustainable tourism and consolidate awareness of the natural surroundings.
Particular emphasis has been placed on protecting the landscape: The Tourist Association is working alongside the conservation agencies to preserve the Wilder Kaiser conservation area and the Ramsar moor area, while making guests aware of the need to be respectful of the environment. Meanwhile, promoting regional produce has a major role to play too. Initiatives such as ‘KochArt’ and ‘Die Biokaiser’ reinforce local agriculture and emphasise short transport routes.
The tourism association is committed to social sustainability too. Working alongside the charitable association ‘Lebenshilfe’, people with disabilities are provided with meaningful tasks in the tourism sector.
Under the motto ‘My Yapadu: sharing happy times; living sustainably’ the St. Johann in Tirol region is establishing a demonstrable token for responsible tourism, to the benefit of both guests and locals alike.
It is much more than just a certificate to us – it is a clear guideline for us to achieve our sustainability goals.
Josef Grander
Chairman of the Tourism Association
Measures
Actions implemented in the St. Johann in Tirol region!
Environmental sustainability
Mobility: The region emphasises environmentally-friendly mobility to reduce traffic and with that, CO₂ emissions. This includes actions including the "Guest ticket is your travel ticket", the Okto Wanderbus, ski bus and the expansion of the charging infrastructure for E-mobility.
Environmental and climate protection: Projects including CLAR, Climate Alliance Communities, e5 - energy-efficient communities and a Climate Neutrality Road-map for 2040 in St. Johann in Tirol are the guidelines for climate protection work.
Biodiversity, protecting the natural surroundings and landscape: The tourism association is working closely with the nature conservation authorities, for instance in preserving the Wilder Kaiser conservation area the Ramsar moor area and in promoting awareness among its visitors.
Events: At its events, the region is increasing emphasising the implementation of Green Event guidelines. This means that in the planning and implementation of celebrations and events, particular attention is paid to aspects such as waste avoidance, the use of regional and organic food and travel via public transport.
Economic sustainability
Sustainable tourist offers: The region is developing tourist offers that hone sustainability-awareness, such as the promotion of guided moor hikes and sustainable tourism. Cross-regional projects such as the KAT Walk long-distance hiking trail and the KAT Bike multi-day cycle tour, have been created in collaboration with other tourism associations.
Sustainability management: The tourism association has devised a comprehensive sustainability strategy which forms the basis for all prospective measures. Reports to document progress and monitor implementation are compiled on a regular basis.
Boosting regional produce: Promoting local producers and artisans with initiatives such as "KochArt" and "Die Biokaiser" is a core element. Accommodation and catering businesses are also encouraged to use regional produce to shorten transport routes and promote regional agriculture.
Seasonal expansion: To optimise occupancy rates throughout the year and minimise dependency on peak seasons, new offers for the off- season have been developed, such as the St. Johann Easter week.
Social sustainability
Social integration and inclusion: Projects that promote social inclusion have a key role to play. The tourism association is working alongside ‘Lebenshilfe’ to help people with disabilities carry out meaningful tasks.
Barrier freedom: the region is focussed on creating barrier-free surroundings to enable all guests and locals enjoy a carefree stay. This includes checks to ensure that paths, public buildings and tourist facilities are free from barriers.
Family-friendly: The tourism association has received the "BerufundFamilie" [Work and Family] award and the towns of St. Johann in Tirol and Oberndorf are family-friendly areas, as indicated by their endeavours for fair working conditions and providing a work-family balance.
Tourism and ‘a space for living’ dialogue: One key aspect is the open dialogue between major players in the tourism sector and local people.
