Tyrol (OTS) – After intensive training and in-depth training, around 40 employees of the Tyrolean tourism associations were trained to become sustainability coordinators. Under the patronage of the Association of Tyrolean Tourism Associations (VTT) and in collaboration with the State of Tyrol, the leading educational institutions MCI Tourismus and WIFI Tirol as well as Tirol Advertising, the first, Alpine-wide unique course for sustainability coordinators was recently completed. Employees from all 34 Tyrolean tourism associations (TVBs) were involved. The financing of this groundbreaking training program was secured by the Tyrolean Tourism Promotion Fund. Sustainability reports at regional and state level will follow by summer.
After completing the three-module training program, which was started in January this year, the graduates are now ideally equipped to further strengthen the Tyrolean tourism associations in their ongoing efforts towards sustainable management. Their in-depth knowledge and practical skills will make a significant contribution to the further development of the Tyrolean tourism industry.
They are now required to develop sustainability strategies with all relevant partners in their regions. They are also responsible for reporting within their TVBs. In addition to qualitative status quo surveys, this year for the first time there are also corresponding quantitative key figures, which are collected and analyzed in the “sustainability check” developed jointly by VTT and Tirolwerbung – with scientific support from MCI Tourismus. These results will in turn be incorporated into the report consolidated by the VTT, which will be handed over to the Tyrolean state government for evaluation in the summer.
Sustainability coordinators as the foundation of sustainable tourism
„Tourism and sustainability are siblings that go very closely together. In Tyrol we strive for honest sustainability through open discussion, training and shared commitment. It is essential to examine sustainability in all facets – economic, ecological and social
“, emphasizes the State Tourism Council Mario Gerber in his speech to the recently certified sustainability coordinators. For Gerber, these form an essential foundation for sustainable tourism. Tyrol is once again proving its pioneering role and reaffirming its commitment to the Tyrolean tourism strategy “Tiroler Weg”, which focuses on sustainability.
Training as a sign of the bundling of skills in the country
„We are united by the goal of supporting you as tourism associations in the best possible way
“, so Ingrid Schneider, Managing Director of VTT, regarding the cooperation between VTT, State of Tyrol, MCI Tourism, WIFI Tirol and Tirol Advertising. According to Schneider, the greatest thanks go to the sustainability coordinators themselves: “Your commitment and enthusiasm can already be felt in many initiatives and projects.
“ Karin Seilermanaging director of Tirol Werbe, adds: “We invite you to regular meetings of the coordinators. It is important to us that they can network, continually address current topics and learn from each other.
“The participants also confirm that, in addition to the necessary know-how transfer, the training was also essential for the exchange among each other.
You can find selected voices from the recently trained sustainability coordinators and further information here.
Questions & Contact:
MMag. Ingrid Schneider
Association of Tyrolean Tourism Associations
Weiherburggasse 8, 6020 Innsbruck
t: +43 512 214200
m: +43 664 1547756
ingrid.schneider@tvb.tirol