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? It is a seal of quality that is awarded exclusively to businesses that are strongly committed to environmentally conscious and socially responsible action. 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 many more are to follow in the coming years: In this way, the entrepreneurs set an important sign for protecting nature and valuable resources. 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 itself, are currently in the process of obtaining the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations certification. We want to set a visible example for sustainable tourism development.

Ongoing eco-label certification process for destinations

Zell am See-Kaprun is currently in the process of being certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations. 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 businesses, communities, and regional stakeholders, we are working on utilising existing strong points, creating new impetuses, and becoming even more sustainable step by step.

Sustainable businesses 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 since May 2025. The Austrian Eco-label for Tourism is a further step to enable guests to enjoy sustainable holiday experiences. 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.

Traveling in an environmentally conscious way:

Establishments awarded with the Eco-label promote sustainable travel and offer information and incentives for public transport, (usually) provide a charging infrastructure on site and 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.

Win-win for the environment, guests, employees and the business

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!

As for the businesses, the conversion process not only creates more sustainability, but also yields economic benefits and savings for the business every day: Energy, water, cleaning agent consumption, food waste and other waste are reduced through green business management. This has a positive effect on operating costs. A fourfold win-win situation: for you as a guest, for the business, the employees and for the environment.