Sustainable Travel Destination

TourCert has recognized the Sauerland as a “Sustainable Travel Destination” for 2024. Sauerland Tourism, as the regional tourism association, underwent this assessment and used the criteria established by TourCert to determine the current status of sustainability efforts in the Sauerland region. The assessment covered the areas of management, economic security and local prosperity, protection of nature and the landscape, resource management, culture and identity, the common good, and quality of life. Our current status in these areas and our improvement management efforts are detailed in our sustainability report.  

The certification is valid until April 2027 and is reviewed annually. The specific criteria behind the certification can be found on the TourCert website. 

We achieved this certification together with our partner businesses (tourist information centers, lodging providers, restaurants, and attractions), which have joined forces to form a network. They are all partners in the Sauerland destination’s sustainability process. What this means in practice: Currently, 33 of the participating businesses are undergoing a qualification process as “TourCert Qualified.” They assess their sustainability performance using a standardized self-assessment, define specific improvement goals, and actively implement them. This process promotes continuous improvement toward greater sustainability but does not constitute certification. Seventeen businesses hold their own certifications that are recognized within the TourCert system: GreenSign, Green Table, Viabono, Ökoprofit, Landgrün, and DEHOGA Umweltcheck.