Good practice destination Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb

Contributor DiegoNunez
Country Germany
Keywords
  • Bundeswettbewerb awards
  • Excellence 2016/17
  • awarded
  • ecoact
Organisation Geschäftsstelle Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Albbeim Regierungspräsidium Tübingen
Postal address Von der Osten Straße 4, 6 (Altes Lager), 72525 Münsingen-Auingen, Germany
Cell phone 07381/ 9329380
Email biosphaerengebiet@rpt.bwl.de
Webpage http://biosphaerengebiet-alb.de
Release date 30/03/2018
Landscape type Protected
Topics
  • Destination Management
  • Certification & Marketing
  • Natural Heritage & Biodiversity
GSTC Criteria for Destinations
  • A: Sustainable management
  • B: Socio-economic sustainability
  • C: Cultural sustainability
  • D: Environmental sustainability
Marketplace category Destinations Destinations
Type Best Practice Destination (Best Practice Destination)
See all locations on the map
All versions
# File name Contributor Release date Uploaded by Upload date Size Content type

Winner of the Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen 2016/17

 

Good Practice Innovation Sheet
Items Description
1. WHO
Key people and organisations (initiator, leader, partners) Center of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve in Münsingen-Auingen (Baden-Württemberg/ Germany)
 
 
Key Figures Surface Inhabitants Tourism arrivals Tourism nights
 

   
2. WHY - 3. HOW

Reason for taking the good practice action/ Issues and challenge

Methods /steps / tools used (to develop the good practice)

Conservation of nature and the environment

In the biosphere region, green tourism development is a priority. This is achieved through a carefully crafted blend of visitor management, tourism stakeholder engagement, development of sustainable tourism services and a quality visitor experience. For example, as part of last year’s projects, the network of hiking trails was consolidated, 31 top trails were upgraded, nine thematic cycle tours were developed and additional opportunities for naturewatching were created. On principle, only sustainable, eco-friendly amenities are advertised through the biosphere media. In addition, clearly defined quality standards apply to hiking, cycling, the culinary offer and nature-watching. Green visitor mobility is another priority in the biosphere. A Biosphere Bus has been introduced, several leisure buses are now equipped with cycle trailers and the leisure network has improved. With a view to improving local public transport, a survey of certified Biosphere Partners was conducted and the findings are now being acted upon. Additional local public transport is provided for major events and this has resulted in new services being integrated into the regular timetable.
4. RESULT
Specific/measurable results, benefits   

Winner of the Federal Competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany (2016/2017)

Recognitions (e.g. awards)
5. REFLECTION

Specific /measurable results, benefits

 

Regional awareness of sustainability issues

Numerous tourism stakeholders were involved in securing UNESCO recognition for the biosphere. More than 200 people participated in preparing the framework document in various forums and more than 1500 citizens contributed their ideas on the region’s sustainable development.

UNESCO status initiated a dynamic process which is reflected in a multitude of regional initiatives. Since then, more than 200 sustainable development projects have been launched, almost half of which consisted of investment in the tourism sector.

 

Quality and sustainability: the perfect partnership

In the biosphere region, new product development is always guided by the principle: “More quality, more conservation of biodiversity, more regional value added”. With the targeted involvement of local product marketers, hotels and restaurants, new ideas and attractive offers for tourists are developed and implemented. For example, two rural districts worked with the tourism, hiking and nature conservation organisations to redesign all the hiking trails in and around the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. This project is now being implemented. Certified Biosphere Partners offer a guest-oriented experience of nature combined with high quality standards. Currently, more than 100 businesses are recognised as Partners in the biosphere region. Strict criteria apply, including at least one energy efficiency or environmental consultation for small businesses and certification in environmental protection for large businesses, and all Partner hotels have introduced the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), the strictest of its kind in Europe.

Local restaurateurs have joined together to launch the Biosphere Hosts association, in order to underscore their connection with this unique cultural landscape and their passion for their work. Their guests can enjoy speciality products typical of the Swabian Alb – spelt, lentils, juices from the region’s extensive meadow orchards, and quality wines and spirits in creative compositions – or simply relax in tastefully furnished accommodation.

 

Category: Regionality

Creating new experiences from well-preserved heritage – this is one of the successes achieved by Swabian Alb tourism stakeholders. Cultural identity is a key factor here and is embedded as a strategic element of the framework document for the biosphere region. All its cultural offers must meet specific quality standards in order to be marketed to tourists. Regional events,leading-edge projects and the Partner scheme all help to foster ideas and initiatives that are rooted in culture and heritage, forging a strong common identity for local communities.

 

Lessons learned,

Challenges met,

Critical success factors

 The Biosphere Reserve is a good example of how tourism can work as a driver of sustainable development across the entire area.

The closure of the Münsingen military training ground initiated a conversion process which, with the creation of the Biosphere Reserve, has led to a consistent focus on sustainability throughout the region and an image upgrade par excellence.

As a result of the developments over recent years, “quality of life” and “identity” are well-established as

selling points, with sustainability as the core element.

A wide range of tourism service providers, local producers and tourism organisations are working together towards shared goals. Consistent networking creates synergies and a sense of community identity. The common denominator of quality and sustainability leads to high-standard products and services which evoke positive emotions.

6. MORE 
web-references, documents

The text above has been taken from the Report “Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany”: https://www.deutschertourismusverband.de/fileadmin/Mediendatenbank/Bilder/Impulse/Nachhaltigkeit_Englisch.pdf

Lighthouse project: Hofgut Hopfenburg Holiday Resort https://www.hofgut-hopfenburg.de

National tourism marketing: http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/natural-landscapes/biosphere-reserves/unesco-swabian-alb-biosphere.html

Contact for further information: http://biosphaerengebiet-alb.de