Kick-off event prepares for ambitious certification process
The Sauerland-Tourismus e. V. and the Touristikverband Siegerland-Wittgenstein e. V. will certify themselves and their destinations as "Sustainable Destinations" certification. In doing so, they are embarking on a process in which they will collect and sort out the state of sustainability in all its facets in both regions - and how they can continuously improve. The aim of this process is to be awarded the prestigious "TourCert" seal. At a kick-off event in Lennestadt-Langenei, the two associations informed their local tourism offices and other partners from business, society and nature conservation about the ambitious goal and support options.
"Sustainable tourism brings together ecological, economic and social aspects," explains Monika Dombrowsky, Managing Director of Touristikverband Siegerland-Wittgenstein e. V. "It's about offering our guests holistic recreation in an authentic region whose resources we use in such a sustainable way that the locals also enjoy living here and can secure their income - including in the important tourism industry - in the long term," adds Dr. Jürgen Fischbach, Managing Director of Sauerland-Tourismus e.V.
The two inspiring outdoor regions have always based their offers and products on sustainable standards, but with the certification process they are subjecting their work to a thorough review - to be examined by an external jury of experts. "We will be taking a close look at this: Where do we stand as associations and as regions, which task areas can and must we prioritize and how can we constantly improve?" the managing directors state. "Sustainability is not a task that we will ever complete, it is a continuous journey - one that requires staying power." To steer the process, the two regions have appointed sustainability officers Jule Kampen (Siegen-Wittgenstein) and Anna Galon (Sauerland) for this task.
As part of the certification process, the two regions will set up a sustainability advisory board to regularly discuss strategic issues for the future and recruit partner businesses in the hotel, catering and leisure sectors for joint certification. They provided information about these and other steps at a kick-off event, supported by an informative presentation by "TourCert" consultant Angela Giraldo. However, this event also served to inspire all participants, as several keynote speeches made it clear that sustainability is already being practiced in various places in Siegen-Wittgenstein and the Sauerland region.
Marion Steinberg presented the "Sustainable hotel for modern guests" project, which is soon to take shape in Sundern-Wildewiese. She pointed out with a smile that her family business has always operated sustainably: "We were already sustainable before we knew it ourselves - before the topic became modern and came into focus. Awareness of nature and people is more than just a trend for us." In addition to digitalization and regionality, the appreciation of employees is particularly important. The "green thread" is also special at Wildewiese. "We use small wooden signs in many places to draw attention to sustainability. If you want to find out more, you can use the QR code to see what we do. It's important for us to do this without pointing a finger!"
Jürgen Laarmann from Inklusionshotel Fünf10 in Netphen focused on the social dimension of sustainability. His enthusiasm was palpable when he talked about his work: "When an employee thanks me in the evening for letting her work with me and here at the hotel that day, it's really touching." The Fünf10 is the first inclusive hotel in Südwestfalen; eight people with and 19 without disabilities have been working here hand in hand on an equal footing since 2019. "When you come to work in the morning and see the sparkle in their eyes and feel this energy, it's just fun." In addition to the hotel with reception, housekeeping and service, the Neun10 Academy is also run, where conferences, seminars, lectures and e-learning courses are held. The hotel is also expected to have its own kitchen by the end of June to round off the entire operation.
Nicole Keseberg and Aleksander Farkas from Personenschifffahrt Biggesee reported on how the excursion boats on the Sauerland-Seen are gradually being converted to electric motors. This insight into the conversion of the ships with huge batteries visibly impressed the audience. "The aim is to have a green fleet on the Sauerland-Seen lakes. We want to show that e-mobility is also feasible in many areas of shipping." In addition, all the work behind the scenes, such as ticket sales, is fully digital, local caterers are booked and reusable systems are used.
Tobias Decker presented the Wisent Hut in Bad Berleburg as a self-sufficient gastronomic experience. The hut is not connected to the electricity or general water supply network. It therefore has a combined heat and power plant, a photovoltaic system, two specially drilled wells and a biowastewater treatment plant. The entire kitchen is powered by liquid gas. "We have even converted the coffee machine". For potential power failures, there are large batteries and "otherwise we are a restaurant experience, so it can happen that there is no electricity. We sell that well!"
Friederike Menge from Hotel Menge in Arnsberg presented the concept of the economy for the common good, which her family business is committed to. This holistic approach considers both the company and the social environment as a whole and develops them further. She balances her commitment in a so-called peer group of like-minded companies, which allows for an honest and collaborative discussion and evaluation of goals. "I wanted to choose an approach that doesn't require a 'rush job', but instead allows us to make a healthy and holistic transition. The Economy for the Common Good suits me and my hotel," said Menge.
Jörg Templin, Director of the Green Leaf Level 4 certified mountain hotel Astenkrone, is - together with Winterberg - one of the pioneers of tourism sustainability and inspired with his commitment. His motto: "Do good and talk about it." Because sustainability should be fun, he motivated, it has nothing to do with sacrifice, it is a good feeling. His company had already embarked on a sustainable journey in 2017, always in collaboration with all employees. "I am passionate about sustainability and try to get everyone on board."
Norbert Lopatta, Tourism Director from Willingen, explained how the Hessian destinations are also applying for a TourCert seal together with the Hessian state association. It is exciting that an entire federal state is setting out to become certified. He emphasized how important it is to be a good role model as a tourist information office: "You have to show it and you have to set an example."
All of the speakers impressively demonstrated that so much is already happening in the Sauerland and Siegen-Wittgenstein that is having a lasting impact and making the regions fit for a future in tourism that combines economic, ecological and social aspects.
PI_Nachhaltige Regionen Sauerland und Siegen-Wittgenstein.pdf
