Renon has been awarded the international GSTC sustainability certification as a destination. An ambitious goal that represents the beginning of a new interpretation of the tourist offer on the sunny plateau and is intended to characterise the "Ritten" brand.
For 29 years, Ritten has been pursuing the goal of "shaping tourism together". This culminates in the GSTC sustainability certification, as it is very much based on the close cooperation with tourism service providers, public transport, the municipal administration, cultural operators and civil defence.
We emphasise that sustainable tourism is not a separate or special form of tourism. Rather, we are directing our commitment towards ensuring that all those involved in tourism in Renon strive to be more sustainable.
In spring 2022, Ritten applied for a certification programme due to its commitment and infrastructure in the area of sustainability and was awarded the highest international sustainability certification for tourism (GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Council) in April 2023. This sets a new course for tourism in Renon, which will have a significant impact on tourism policy decisions and the tourist offer for guests.
The certification process examined not only ecological measures but also the quality of the service, the management of the tourism organisation and its partners, marketing and communication, as well as public awareness-raising. The international award is an important step towards ensuring that tourism in Ritten will continue to be a desirable holiday destination and a home worth living in for its inhabitants. It also strengthens the image and trust of the destination among its partners at municipal and provincial level.
The tourism experts in Renon are now pursuing the desirable goal of ensuring that accommodation and catering establishments also strengthen and publicise their commitment to sustainable development. There are still important tasks to fulfil on this long-term path. The risk plans for climate change and environmental impacts as well as an increased commitment to accessibility in the destination are essential and particularly important at present.
The board of the Ritten Tourist Association decided in favour of this tourism policy because the effects of climate change in the Alpine region are unmistakable and there is a need for action to counteract them. The Covid-19 pandemic has also made us aware of weaknesses in economic and social areas. For this reason, tourism also requires a clear, lasting and collective sustainable change in every respect.
Ritten, 20 April 2023
