Montafon, Austria, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its pioneering approach to sustainable tourism development.

With tourism contributing up to 70% of local GDP, the region faced the urgent challenge of climate change and the need for systemic transformation. In response, Montafon Tourismus GmbH, the local DMO, founded PIZ Montafon, an independent innovation lab in 2022 dedicated to driving sustainable tourism solutions.

PIZ Montafon has launched several initiatives, including PIZ VHOTEL, a digital platform that guides accommodation providers in adopting sustainability practices, and the Host Role Model Program, which supports businesses in achieving Austrian Ecolabel certification through mentoring and workshops.

The lab also facilitates sustainability checks, educational field trips like Tour de Ländle, and multi-stakeholder initiatives such as nature-friendly mountain sports, which manage visitor behaviour and protect natural assets.

These actions have led to a measurable shift from growth-oriented to quality tourism, wider certification of local businesses, and recognition through the Vorarlberg Tourism Award 2024.

Montafon’s success demonstrates how innovation hubs within destinations can complement traditional DMOs, fostering systemic change and equipping local tourism actors to meet future challenges. 

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Innovation in tourism #Stakeholder engagement #Tourism development