2. Climate protection competition for hotels and tourism businesses in the Alpine region

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in the Alpine region – some 40 percent of the communities in the area depend on it. The unique landscapes and diverse natural and cultural offerings attract millions of travellers every year. At the same time, the Alps are particularly impacted by the climate crisis: temperatures here rise almost twice as fast as in the rest of the northern hemisphere. The temperature increase of around 2 °C compared to the pre-industrial era is already having a noticeable effect on the alpine environment: this includes an increasing risk of natural hazards, a decline in the habitats of indigenous animal and plant species, and changes in the water balance of the region.

It is therefore critical to develop sustainable tourism that focuses on both experiencing and protecting the climate and environment. In this way, tourism companies can make a valuable contribution to the preservation of biodiversity, the careful use of natural resources, and the protection of the climate.

As part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, adelphi was holding the ClimaHost competition for hotels and restaurants in the Alpine region. The project aimed at companies from the countries of the Alpine Convention that have implemented exemplary climate protection measures and contributed to sustainable tourism in the region. The competition aimed to make this commitment visible, encourage the exchange of experiences, and motivate other companies to do the same.

adelphi was responsible for the design, implementation and marketing of the competition.

The competition started in September 2021, and the award ceremony took place in Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein (Allgäu region, Germany), in October 2022.