TravTalk India Online Magazine
A dream destination, Switzerland follows its own sustainability strategy: Swisstainable. It is all about having one’s finger on the pulse – and maximum relaxation in a natural setting.
Hazel Jain
What makes Switzerland a sustainable travel destination? One of the most closely-knit rail networks in the world, recycling champions, and impressive air and water quality – Switzerland is leading the way towards a sustainable future. Two cities of Switzerland – Lucerne and Zurich – are making impressive headway into promoting this.
Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director, Switzerland Tourism, says, “In Lucerne, we urge tourists to explore the city via public transport, on foot, or on a bike. There are also multiple hikes or multi-day trekking options or customizable tours in and around the city that take you right into the lap of nature. Lucerne also offers several Swisstainable-certified eco-friendly establishments across the Lake Lucerne region to suit every taste and budget. Restaurants in Lucerne too have mastered delectable dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Culinarium Alpinum is one such restaurant that focuses on the culinary diversity of the Alpine region.”
Zurich is also encouraging visitors to experience sustainable travel options. Sharma adds, “Zurich Tourism has adopted a comprehensive and long-term approach to achieve the goal of positioning Zurich and the surrounding region as an international blueprint for a Smart Destination. Committed to preserving the environment and minimizing the impact of tourism on local communities, a mindful lifestyle forms part of the very DNA of the people of Zurich.” All city tours and excursions are marked with a green leaf symbol to show that no harmful emissions were produced or show that the emissions generated are offset through the Zurich-based myclimate foundation. In Zurich, a lot of hotels such as the new Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle are now adopting sustainable measures.
Special itinerary with Trafalgar
Tour company, Trafalgar, and Switzerland Tourism have designed the first-ever ‘Swisstainable’ travel itinerary. It is the first global travel company to develop a tour, which is entirely serviced by ‘Swisstainable’ suppliers. This eight-day journey through Zürich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne includes ‘Swisstainable’ accommodations, experiences, meals, and greener transportation considerations, such as replacing vans with train travel on the Glacier Express and Golden Pass Train Line.
