Kaunertal Honoured In Vienna By Federal Minister E. Kostinger

A delegation from the municipality of Kaunertal made its way to Vienna at the end of April to receive Minister Elisabeth Köstinger's personal appreciation for Kaunertal's commitment to sustainable tourism.

As one of 44 rural tourism destinations worldwide with a strong focus on sustainability, the Kaunertal was awarded the seal "Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO", the UN World Tourism Organization, last December. More than 170 destinations from 75 countries had submitted. The Kaunertal was the only Austrian candidate among the winners. The jury was impressed by the particularly clearly defined and exemplary path of the valley in terms of its ecological orientation through the Kaunergrat Nature Park and its consistent further development into future-oriented and sustainable tourism. The Kaunertal was able to score particularly well with the latest funding initiatives KLAR and CLAR Kaunergrat as well as the focus on inclusion in the form of the barrier-free tourist offer.

At the beginning of the week, Minister Köstinger invited the award winners to Vienna and praised the Kaunertal delegation: “ Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in Austrian tourism. Not only for the guests, but above all for companies and regions. The Kaunertal is a prime example of this. I am therefore very proud that the Kaunertal has been brought in front of the curtain on the international stage. It is a pioneer and model throughout Austria for sustainable tourism.”

The delegation consisted of representatives who played a key role in shaping the path to the "Best Tourism Village": Ulrike Totschnig - project manager of KLAR Kaunergrat, Ernst Partl - managing director of the Kaunergrat Nature Park, Karl Hafele - hotelier and pioneer for barrier-free holidays, Josef Raich - former mayor , Christian Kalsberger - Mayor of the municipality of Kaunertal, Armin Falkner - TVB chairman, Michaela Gasser-Mark - TVB managing director and Elisabeth Steinlechner - CLAR coordinator and KEM manager in the Landeck district.

Mayor Christian Kalsberger: “The municipality of Kaunertal shows how modern, sustainable tourism can also be implemented and lived in the population. I am proud to follow Josef Raich as mayor and will continue on his path in terms of the sustainable orientation of the valley and communication with all stakeholders at eye level.” The award ceremony took place on Monday, April 25th, in a festive setting. at the Federal Ministry for Sustainability, Agriculture and Tourism in Vienna.

More information on the UNWTO "Best Tourism Villages" initiative can be found here .