The eco-label: Seal of quality for environmentally conscious businesses in Zell am See-Kaprun

Have you ever heard of the EU ECO label or the Austrian Eco-label for tourism businesses? This label is a seal of approval that is awarded exclusively to companies that meet the criteria of the ecolabel in the categories of ecology, economy, and social issues. In the Zell am See-Kaprun region, several tourism businesses in the valley and on the mountain have already been certified with the Austrian Eco-label and more are to follow in the coming years: In this way, the entrepreneurs send an important signal for the conscious use and conservation of resources, and communicate environmental awareness to employees and guests. At the same time, these businesses consciously support the local economy, as they rely, above all, on regional products and services. We, the Zell am See-Kaprun region, have also been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations certification since 2025. We want to set a visible example for tourism development.

Certified tourism destination:

After successfully completing the certification process, Zell am See-Kaprun was awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations in autumn 2025. As part of the process, the region's sustainability measures and strategies were verified based on a comprehensive set of criteria.

The certification covers various subject areas – including mobility, use of resources, regional value creation and social aspects – and makes the measures taken transparent and verifiable.

eco-label certification for destinations

The Zell am See-Kaprun region was successfully certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations certification in autumn 2025. This is an important step towards making our commitment to environmental protection, regional value creation, and sustainable tourism development visible and measurable.

Why are we taking this step? Because we want to take responsibility - for the people who live here, for our guests, and for the unique interplay of glacier, mountain, and lake that makes our region so special.

Certification is more than just a seal of quality. It requires a comprehensive examination of the ecological, social, and economic impact of tourism. Together with our partner companies, municipalities, and regional stakeholders, we are working to utilise existing strengths, set new impulses, and further develop our measures for the sustainable development of the region step by step.

Businesses with the Austrian Ecolabel in Zell am See-Kaprun

Acting responsibly when it comes to nature is also playing an increasingly important role when choosing a holiday: the Zell am See-Kaprun region has been supporting this change towards more sustainable tourism for many years - for example with the Guest Mobility Ticket, which enables guests to use the public transport system in the entire SalzburgerLand. With the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism, businesses enforce verifiable criteria in various environmental and sustainability areas. Choosing an establishment that has been awarded the Austrian Eco-label, you as a guest can be sure that environmentally conscious actions are consistently lived and further developed.

How does an establishment get the Eco-label?

Before an establishment is awarded the Eco-label, it is monitored by independent experts of umwelt service salzburg. In the process, more than 200 defined criteria are checked: for example, they look at whether as many regional or organic foods as possible are used and served at the breakfast table or at dinner.

Saving energy:

Criteria for the efficient use of energy are examined particularly closely: Where can unnecessary energy consumption be avoided in the running of the business, where can losses be reduced? On-site water measurements, for example, reveal potential for limiting water consumption.

Healthy atmosphere:

At certified establishments, healthy indoor air and atmosphere are supported by the use of natural materials and environmentally friendly cleaning agents. The protection of non-smokers is, of course, also a top priority.

Avoiding waste:

In order to return valuable recyclable materials to the recycling loop, and to reduce residual waste to a minimum, a waste management concept is drawn up with the establishments to be inspected. As a guest, you should also be motivated to actively participate - for example by avoiding waste, separating your waste or simply foregoing the daily change of towels.

Mobility by bus and train:

Ecolabel businesses promote the use of public transport and offer corresponding incentives. They usually provide an on-site charging infrastructure for electrical vehicles. The establishments are the right contact for questions about sustainable mobility services in the region.

Renewable energy

Participating establishments are also informed about opportunities for switching to renewable energy and about offers for further energy and environmental advice. Promoted are, for example, switching from fossil energy to heat pumps, wood heating or photovoltaic systems.

Benefits for guests, employees, and businesses

By the way: No matter whether your favourite accommodation is a five-star hotel, a farm or a camping site, tourism enterprises of all kinds as well as museums and exhibition halls can apply for the Austrian Eco-label for Tourism. In Zell am See-Kaprun, for example, there are several mountain restaurants that have successfully completed the certification!