Vienna Joins UN Tourism’s International Network for Sustainable Tourism Observatories

“We warmly welcome Vienna to the INSTO network,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. “By joining this global initiative This commitment to sustainability bringing value not only to individual businesses but significantly enhancing the well-being of the entire destination.”

Norbert Kettner, CEO of Vienna Tourist Board, added: “Through the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, Vienna fosters dialogue, innovation and collective stewardship to co-create sustainable destination development, ensuring tourism enhances the quality of life for all, while preserving Vienna’s unique cultural and natural resources.”

Vienna’s acceptance into INSTO coincides strategically with the launch of its comprehensive Visitor Economy Strategy, a model for integrating sustainability into long-term tourism planning. This holistic approach balances the needs of residents and visitors, responsibly manages natural resources, and prioritizes quality of life. Vienna explicitly recognizes that sustainable tourism involves growth that enhances rather than compromises its identity.

The establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Observatory is central to the implementation of Vienna's Visitor Economy Strategy. It directly supports the city's broader ambitions outlined in the Smart Climate City Strategy and the Vienna 2030 - Economy and Innovation location strategy. Through the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, Vienna underscores its commitment to accountability and leadership in sustainability, significantly enhancing its reputation both locally and internationally as a sustainable and innovative travel destination.

The International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), an initiative of UN Tourism, supports destinations in monitoring tourism’s economic, environmental, and social impact. By promoting evidence-based decision-making, INSTO helps ensure tourism’s long-term sustainability and resilience.