Basel is becoming even more sustainable
Sustainability takes centre stage for all Basel Tourism’s activities. Our goal is to lead by example when it comes to sustainability: we don’t just want to shape sustainability as a concept but also as a tangible reality – for our guests, when hosting trade fairs and congresses, in our partnerships, and internally, too.
Strategy for sustainable tourism development
Basel Tourism sees sustainability as a core component of the tourism strategy. Sustainability plays a key role in tourism’s successful development and in positioning Basel as a city for leisure and congresses. A sustainability strategy has been developed to coordinate sustainable development, support the industry and position Basel as a sustainable, urban city.
We see sustainability as:
- encompassing a reduction in our environmental footprint
- an uptick in sustainable experiences
- the promotion of local value creation within the Basel region
- the positioning of the tourism industry as an attractive employer
- the establishment of high-quality tourism as a source of added value
- the building of bridges between cultures
- the promotion of Basel’s image as a sustainable city
Sustainability-related fields of action
Better work
Basel Tourism integrates sustainability into its daily operations, reduces its environmental footprint and takes a clear social stance. Basel Tourism is a fair and attractive employer, committed to well-being, collaboration and equal opportunities. In addition, the organisation promotes regional value creation through sustainable procurement and souvenir offerings.
Sustainable partnerships
Basel Tourism promotes collaboration along the tourism service chain – for holistic and sustainable development. Together with its partners, it increases the positive effects of tourism while reducing negative impacts and emissions. This approach strengthens Basel’s sustainable image and makes the city even more appealing to leisure, congress and trade fair visitors.
Better travel
All guests feel welcome and comfortable in Basel. The authentic, inclusive and innovative offerings repeatedly ensure exhilarating “wow” moments. We make sustainability a tangible experience, offer guidance and inspire guests to make sustainable choices – during their visit and beyond.
Our vision
Basel is an inspiring, welcoming city that takes the economic, environmental and social needs of today and tomorrow into account in equal measure. Basel says “no” to mass tourism and strives to be a global role model for sustainable experiences.
Factsheets on strategy (only in German):
Certifications and commitments
Switzerland is already a pioneer in matters of sustainability – not only in terms of the landscape but also thanks to its outstanding infrastructure. Swiss cities make a good case for being sustainability superstars due to the spatial proximity of their points of interest in particular. Nowhere else in the world are the attractions, cultural institutions, restaurants, insider tips and opportunities to shop closer together.
This is also the case in Basel, and that is precisely why the city is eager and motivated to further develop and promote the destination in terms of sustainability. All of this is to happen not only within the Basel Tourism organization but also in close collaboration with the city and canton as well as various tourism service providers and stakeholders. Positioning Basel on a lasting basis as a world-renowned smart city is the objective that drives all partners and contributors.
TourCert
TourCert certifies and awards the TourCert accreditation for sustainability and corporate responsibility in tourism. Basel was certified to the TourCert standard in December 2024, making it the second Swiss city with an internationally recognised sustainability certification.
tourcert.org
Swisstainable Destination Level III
Basel, as a destination, has achieved the highest level of the Swiss sustainability programme Swisstainable – “Level III – leading” – which places the city at the forefront of sustainable tourism development nationwide alongside two other Swiss cities.
stnet.ch
Swisstainable Level III
Basel Tourism participates in Swisstainable, the sustainability programme developed by Switzerland Tourism. Through a sustainability certification, Basel achieved “Level III – leading” as a business and is committed to sustainable corporate governance as well as continuous development.
stnet.chCertification (only in German):
OK:GO initiative
Basel Tourism is participating in OK:GO. This nationwide initiative aims to make information on the accessibility of tourist offers available to the public. By participating in this initiative, the Tourist Information office at the Stadtcasino sets an example for good customer service and makes an important contribution to sustainable and inclusive tourism.
ok-go.org
Wasser für Wasser (Water for Water)
Basel Tourism is working with WASSER FÜR WASSER (WfW) to encourage the sustainable use of water – a valuable resource. As an official WfW partner business, we support the implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Zambia, Mozambique and Switzerland.
wfw.ch
Cause We Care
When guests make online bookings, Basel Tourism offers them the opportunity to make a small, voluntary contribution to climate protection and sustainability. As a member of Cause We Care, Basel Tourism will match all contributions made.
causewecare.ch
Tips for our partners
Here, you can discover useful guides, handy tips and links, and important documents to help you make your business sustainable.
Food Save Basel-Stadt
With the “Food Save Basel-Stadt” programme, the canton of Basel-Stadt helps all manner of food-related businesses in the canton (e.g. restaurants, hotels and bakeries) to reduce their food waste.
Sustainability platform for tourism
The sustainability platform bundles together knowledge on sustainability for the tourism sector and gives businesses and experts opportunities to network with each other.
Here is a selection of local initiatives and projects that encourage tourism businesses to become even more sustainable. The list will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Tips (only in German):
Reports
Basel is becoming even more sustainable! This is evidenced by the growing number of Basel hotels that have already attained Swisstainable Level III.
Swisstainable Level III
Level III – leading is designed for businesses that already hold a comprehensive, recognized sustainability certification. It takes into account accreditations that cover all dimensions of sustainability and undergo regular external reviews.
stv-fst.chSustainability Report 2023 (only in German):
