Zurich has solidified its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism by earning the EarthCheck certification, an internationally recognised standard for sustainable destinations.
This milestone, driven by Zürich Tourism in collaboration with city authorities, highlights the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Mayor Corine Mauch said: “This certification shows the role that tourism plays in enabling us to achieve our sustainability goals. Responsible tourism brings benefits for our guests whilst improving the local population’s quality of life.”
The certification process, spanning nearly two years, involved rigorous evaluation of over 76 quantitative indicators and 366 qualitative criteria, assessing areas such as energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, and waste reduction.
Zurich excelled in renewable energy, public transport, and integrating green spaces that boost biodiversity and enhance quality of life.
Thomas Wüthrich, Director of Zürich Tourism, described the certification as both a recognition of past efforts and an incentive for future progress: “I’m delighted that this award now provides tangible evidence of the city’s many years of effort and success in sustainable urban development. At the same time, we see this as an incentive to persuade even more partners to join us on this journey.”
With a strategic goal to position Zurich as a global benchmark for sustainable tourism by 2030, this achievement represents a significant step forward in the city’s journey.