Title - Name
EGTC Alpine Pearls
Scope / Sector / Industry
Accessible rural tourism
Country / Region
Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia
Why is it good practice?
The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Alpine Pearls is an example of good networking practice, as it brings together and promotes destinations considered capable of supporting the sustainable mobility of visitors within their boundaries. Through targeted actions, the EGTC helps to create visitor destinations that ensure easy and comfortable travel without the need for a private car, by promoting a range of transport options and sustainable mobility services.
How is it applied?
Alpine Pearls is an initiative by 19 Alpine tourist communities that aims to promote sustainable, eco-friendly transport and offer visitors a climate-friendly holiday experience through attractive, practical, comfortable and simple transport options. Alpine Pearls’ mission is to protect the Alpine ecosystem from the negative impacts of tourism and to preserve its natural beauty by raising awareness of an authentic, mindful travel experience.
The Alpine Pearls association was founded in 2006 by 17 member destinations, the “Pearls of the Alps”, which emerged from the European projects “Alps Mobility” and “Alps Mobility II”, an initiative of the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. In 2022, the association was transformed into a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation to facilitate cross-border cooperation and support for its members, whilst over the years, new members have joined, promoting ecotourism, climate protection and sustainable holidays. Today, the EGTC Alpine Pearls is a network of destinations dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism in the Alps (Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovenia).
Eco-mobility is a concept that aims to make transport more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It involves rethinking the way we travel and finding alternatives that use less energy and reduce the impact on the environment, compared to traditional modes of transport. In this context, visitors, rather than relying on private cars, opt for public transport, bicycles (electric and non-electric) and innovative car-sharing schemes whilst on holiday. These options help to reduce CO₂ emissions, tackle air pollution and ease traffic congestion in general.
The Alpine Pearls initiative, via its official website, highlights the above eco-friendly travel options offered by each member destination individually. The destinations per country that have been incorporated into the network so far are: Germany: 1, Austria: 3, Slovenia: 2, Italy: 12. Within these destinations, visitors are offered a wide range of transport services, such as trains, hiking and ski buses, taxi services, electric cars, bicycles and e-bikes, to make it easy to plan an eco-friendly trip. In addition, guidance is provided on how to travel to and from the destination, such as flight connections, trains and buses. Information is also provided to enhance and facilitate the travel experience. Examples include luggage services, electric vehicle charging points, e-bike hire, information on hiking routes, suggestions for activities and places of interest, and recommendations for summer and winter.
In terms of transport, each destination within the EGTC has drawn up a bespoke, climate-friendly transport plan that includes:
- low-cost connections and excellent access to public transport,
- transfers from the train station to the hotel and
- areas characterised by reduced traffic
As part of their efforts to facilitate and attract tourists, Alpine Pearls destinations enable their guests to purchase “Guest & Mobility Cards”, which provide free access to local public transport. These cards offer benefits such as free use of all forms of transport within the destination area, including buses to hiking areas and ski resorts, discounts on taxi fares, discounts on activities (e.g. rafting, cycling, hiking) and more. These cards can be purchased at locations such as the destination’s information points and member accommodation providers.
Another initiative of the EGTC is the launch of “Alpine Pearls Hosts”, which brings together accommodation providers who share the group’s objectives for eco-friendly holidays in harmony with people and nature. Hotels, apartments, private guesthouses, B&Bs and campsites are members of the EGTC.
Among other initiatives, the Alpine Pearls EGTC is involved in projects relating to environmentally friendly transport, the gradual improvement of access to areas, and the promotion of local culture and natural heritage. It also works closely with international partners to develop innovative solutions, reduce the environmental impact of tourism and, at the same time, support the economic development of each region. It also emphasises the climate resilience of small snow tourism destinations and communities at medium altitudes, so that they can remain attractive to both residents and tourists.
Finally, several times a year, it organises webinars on a wide range of topics relating to sustainability and tourism in the Alps at the Alpine Pearls Academy for all its members.
To become a member of the EGTC, certain basic membership criteria must be met which reflect the group’s shared priorities. These criteria ensure that only destinations that meet high standards of sustainable tourism become part of the network. These criteria serve as a guideline for the selection of new members and ensure the quality and sustainability of the Alpine Pearls community. In addition, to help members achieve this goal, a roadmap is provided which sets out specific measures for the next five years. The membership criteria and the roadmap enable the EGTC to ensure the continuity and development of the Alpine Pearls.
The membership criteria for Alpine Pearls are summarised as follows:
- The availability of environmentally friendly transport options, such as a well-developed public transport system, cycling infrastructure and walkable environments, is one of the most important admission criteria. Member regions should work actively to promote these sustainable modes of transport and enable visitors to enjoy a comfortable, environmentally friendly journey.
- Resource efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Members undertake to use water, energy and other resources sustainably and to rely on renewable energy sources in order to reduce their environmental impact and ecological footprint.
- The high standard of accommodation and services offered by each member municipality. Environmentally certified accommodation, the use of local produce and sustainable resource management enable visitors to experience authentic, sustainable travel and learn about local culture and traditions.
- Active nature conservation and ongoing environmental education. Members must be actively committed to the protection of the natural environment and promote environmental education amongst their visitors. They focus on ecotourism and sustainable activities that can be implemented and utilised in a way that protects the environment.
The next step is to establish a core Pearl team (destination team) and appoint a leader responsible for the operational implementation of activities such as the destination action plan, partnerships, events and public relations. At the same time, an assessment is carried out to determine whether a Pearl already meets the core criteria or has plans to meet them. Once the above foundations are in place, planning begins on how to achieve the defined target criteria, as summarised below:
- Environmentally friendly transport
- Strengthening the brand identity
- Preserving and improving the quality of the environment
- Protecting and caring for the natural environment
- Developing and fostering an atmosphere of well-being
- A responsible and closed-loop regional economy
Where is it applied?
The EGTC Alpine Pearls is aimed directly at visitors who wish to experience Alpine destinations offering eco-friendly modes of transport and other eco-tourism options. Indirectly, it is aimed at destinations that wish to join the network and develop eco-friendly transport options.
When did it apply?
The Alpine Pearls EGTC was established in 2022.
Results
The Alpine Pearls initiative was recognised by the European SMARTA-NET project as an example of good practice in sustainable mobility management in rural areas.
Other information
The official website of Alpine Pearls is: https://www.alpine-pearls.com/en