Looking ahead, acting responsibly

Shaping the Future Together

How we shape sustainability: with a clear plan, measurable progress and people who make it happen.

Tourism plays an important role in our region, as it does throughout South Tyrol. Gsiesertal Valley-Welsberg-Taisten is characterised by many small accommodation businesses, including numerous farm stays and privately run guesthouses. This small-scale, family-run environment has helped the valley retain its unspoilt character and peaceful atmosphere.

You won't find large hotel complexes, extensive lift systems or bustling tourist crowds here. Instead, if you value a well-preserved cultural landscape, peace and a slower pace of life, our holiday region may be just what you're looking for.

We want to preserve this sense of peace and authenticity, both for the people who live here and for the natural surroundings that shape the valley. More visitors can mean more traffic, higher prices and greater resource consumption – consequences we take seriously.

That is why we made a conscious decision to pursue sustainability certification.

Flowering alpine meadow with dandelions and mountain huts in the Gsiesertal valley

Sustainability strategy and action plan

Our journey as a Level 3-certified destination is guided by a clear strategy with specific goals and actions, which are regularly reviewed and continually developed

Our sustainability strategy follows the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an internationally recognised standard for sustainable tourism development. It is based on four key principles

effective, sustainable planning;
maximising benefits for the local community;
protecting cultural heritage;
reducing negative environmental impacts.

These principles guide our decisions and are firmly rooted in our mission: We believe tourism should serve people, not the other way round. Our actions are shaped by warmth, authenticity, awareness and gentleness, with respect for nature, culture and community.

This mission provides the direction for our approach to sustainability.

Based on this strategy, we have developed an action plan that translates our goals into specific measures, with clearly defined responsibilities and timeframes. The plan is regularly reviewed and updated.

Level 3 – South Tyrol's highest sustainability label

In October 2024, our region was awarded Level 3, the highest level of the South Tyrol Sustainability Label, based on the internationally recognised criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Following an independent audit by Vireo Srl, our region was confirmed to fully meet all 38 criteria covering environmental, social and cultural responsibility.

Our Green Team

Working together for our region

Within our organisation, Sarah Schwingshackl is responsible for sustainability. She coordinates the strategy, plans and oversees its implementation, and acts as a link between tourism, local authorities, members and partners.

She is supported by the Green Team, our sustainability working group, which includes representatives from:

Tourism organisation
Municipalities of Gsies and Welsberg-Taisten
Alpenverein Südtirol (AVS)
Welsberg Education Committee
HDS Welsberg-Taisten local group (Trade and Services Association)
Gsiesertal Valley Nature and Culture Association
GsieserTalLauf
Welsperg Castle Committee
Taisten Nature Association

The Green Team provides a platform for discussion, ideas and shared solutions on climate, the environment, social responsibility, culture and strengthening the local economy.

Two traditional wooden barns near Kasermähder Alm, surrounded by a deeply snow-covered forest and mountains beneath a veil of clouds.

Our Code of Ethics

Shared principles for everyone

Certification is one thing; the principles behind it matter just as much. Our Code of Ethics sets out standards for fair, respectful and non-discriminatory conduct for the tourism cooperative and its member businesses, regardless of gender, age, background, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation or disability.
It prohibits all forms of exploitation, with particular emphasis on protecting children and young people in tourism, and commits us to fair procurement practices that prioritise regional suppliers.

Your voice helps shape our future

Deeply snow-covered hay barn near Pfinnalm, surrounded by winter forest, gentle mist and snow-covered mountains.

Join our Green Team

Would you like to help shape the future of Gsiesertal Valley-Welsberg-Taisten? Join the Green Team to share your ideas with representatives from local authorities, associations and the community.

The group meets several times a year to develop new goals and measures for our sustainability action plan.

→ Get involved today

Mountain stream flowing through blooming alpine roses in early summer in Gsiesertal

Local residents' survey

Local residents' views are an important part of our sustainability work.

Regular surveys help identify the problems and challenges people face in everyday life.

We carefully assess the findings and use them to develop new goals and practical measures for our sustainability action plan.

Guest feedback survey

Through regular surveys across different seasons, we gather feedback on how satisfied guests are with their stay. This helps us identify potential problems early and respond with suitable measures.

We assess the findings and use them to develop new goals and practical actions for our sustainability plan.

→ View survey results