--- title: "Sustainability | Lucerne’s commitment" url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/about-us/sustainability/lucernes-commitment" description: "The city of Lucerne and Lucerne Tourism are devoted to the sustainable development of tourism, optimising their own organisation while promoting natural and cultural attractions for business and leisure tourists." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Footer > Navigation > About us > Sustainability > Lucerne’s commitment" --- Lucerne’s commitment ==================== The city of Lucerne and Lucerne Tourism are devoted to the sustainable development of tourism, optimising their own organisation while promoting natural and cultural attractions for business and leisure tourists. In its capacity as a destination management organisation, Lucerne Tourism is equally committed to the sustainable development of tourist infrastructure in the city of Lucerne and the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region. Certifications & Engagements #### Swisstainable Lucerne Tourism Swisstainable, the sustainability initiative of Switzerland Tourism, has more guidance for guests. Lucerne Tourism is classified at Level III - leading, the highest in the sustainability programme. Level III is for businesses that already have recognised, comprehensive sustainability accrediations. . #### ISO-Zertifizierung Lucerne Tourism actively promotes sustainable tourism development in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region. The organisation consistently implements corporate environmental management and holds certification in line with ISO 14001. #### OK:GO Initiative Lucerne Tourism is part of Switzerland’s OK:GO Initiative. Through this initiative, the accessibility information of tourism service providers is made available to the public. The goal is to collect information on the individual needs of a diverse society, and to include people with disabilities. Click for more information on the initiative. #### Swisstainable Destination City of Lucerne We are part of the Swisstainable Destination sustainability programme and are classified as Level I - committed. The Swisstainable sustainability programme brings together businesses and destinations across the entire Swiss tourism sector. By participating in the programme, we commit ourselves to continuous sustainable destination development, pursue measures in the area of sustainability and thus make a concrete contribution to sustainable Swiss tourism. As a Swisstainable Destination, we work together with partner businesses to ensure the ongoing sustainable development of our destination. #### TourCert Destination City of Lucerne TourCert certifies and awards the TourCert seal for sustainability and corporate responsibility in tourism. The city of Lucerne was certified according to the TourCert standard in February 2026. Integral parts of the certification process include acquiring partner companies, establishing a sustainability council, and creating a comprehensive improvement program. #### GDS Index The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index aims to encourage and inspire destinations to become more sustainable places of discovery, encounter and success. To this end, the sustainability performance of each relevant destination is assessed on the basis of nearly 70 indicators. Lucerne Tourism took part in the programme for the first time in 2021, and has done so annually since then. - Innotour Project Sustainability Transformation Canton Lucerne - The city also pursues the following initiatives: - B+A 22/2021: Climate and energy strategy - B+A 20/2021: Urban climate initiative - B+A 10/2020: Climate adaptation strategy - B+A 10/2018: Mobility strategy - B+A 25/2018: Biodiversity promotion - B 38/2017: City of Lucerne nuclear power phase-out, assessment of situation - B 34/2003: Sustainable development strategy For more information on these initiatives, visit the : In the field of social sustainability, the city of Lucerne holds the Unicef seal of approval as a . - 1. Easy to arrive, easy to get around**Central location** From Zurich Airport, it is only an hour or so by train to Lucerne station. The journey from Basel Airport takes an hour and a half. All timetables are conveniently available via . **SBB luggage service** For ease of arrival, try the . Luggage will be picked up from your specified location and taken straight to your hotel or other destination. **Compensation for flights** If you are not arriving by public transport, you can compensate for your flights through our partner . **Swiss Travel System** To take advantage of journeys on Switzerland’s train, bus and ferry network plus a range of mountain railway discounts, we recommend the . **Getting around** Free transport: Guests staying at a hotel in Lucerne receive a free public transport ticket for the city (zone 10, 2nd class, not valid on ferries). **nextbike:** Within the city and the conurbation of Lucerne, bikes can be rented from easily and conveniently via smartphone. For day trips and events, bikes can be reserved by the hour or by the week at your desired location. **Public transport in Lucerne:** The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region has a well-developed bus and train network. For information on exclusive bus services, go to . - 2. Local food, suitable decorGood food is an easy way to create an event that is both memorable and sustainable. You can find some tips and tricks below: - Choose regional, seasonal produce. - Serve less meat with meals. - Use a packaging return system and returnable glasses. - Use mobile drinks dispensers. - Encourage customers to bring their own water bottles. Lucerne has over 200 public fountains, supplying premium quality drinking water. - Avoid coffee pod machines and consider local coffee-roasting establishments. - Serve smaller portions. The right decor helps guests feel at home. - Make decor seasonal – less is usually more. - Hire potted plants from a local nursery. - LED lights complement the lighting perfectly. - 3. Complimentary gifts with characterRegional gifts are always popular: - : Makes delicious baked goods, pastries and chocolate every day. - : The Lucerne chocolatier produces the finest handmade chocolate gifts using traditional methods. - : The shop’s product line offers a variety of culinary gifts, all from the Lucerne region. - : This regional brand delights with a variety of products, including meat, dairy and other specialities from the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. - : The fruits of this orchard are lovingly made into delicious products. The ‘Wanderwasser’ product line, inspired by a variety of destinations in the Alpine area, makes a popular gift. - : The Lucerne Market Hall at the station sells regional and seasonal specialities. - : To this day, popular Sbrinz cheese is produced in the pastures and farmsteads of the region using traditional methods. - : A number of foundations offer lovingly created artworks as gifts. Tips for sustainable event organisation --------------------------------------- There is a significant trend towards sustainability at events, which can no longer be seen as a passing fad. Rather, it is now a clear expectation of participants. But what makes an event truly sustainable and how can it be planned and organised accordingly? There are tips for the next event based on the 17 SDG goals. There is not just one solution, but numerous small alternatives that can be implemented according to individual needs. - Encounters and observations: Tourism Director Marcel Perren likes to commute by bus or on foot. Contact ------- Do you have any questions or ideas regarding sustainability? We look forward to hearing from you: Lucerne Tourism +41 41 227 17 17 Salome Hirt +41 41 227 17 20 Chiara Fabel +41 41 227 17 87 Commitment of the city of Lucerne --------------------------------- The city of Lucerne takes account of the ecological, economic and social aspects of sustainability across many areas, earning the labels and in the process. Sustainable event planning -------------------------- Alongside the dedication of those working in our tourism sector and our efficient and broad-based network of partners, the greatest indicator of quality in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region is the integrity of our natural surroundings. To continue offering a high-quality experience into the future, Lucerne Tourism works actively to develop events management in a sustainable way, so as to conserve resources. The commitment of Lucerne Tourism --------------------------------- **Sustainability policy** The of Lucerne Tourism incorporates sustainability targets and measures for the three spheres of society, environment and economy. Selected targets include: - Promoting environmentally sound mobility (including free public transport passes for hotel guests) - Boosting the regional economy (cooperation agreements, contract awards, etc.) - Flattening demand peaks through improved utilisation of capacity in the off season (promoting the winter months, encouraging winter conferences, etc.) - Raising awareness of tourism among the population of the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region - Upholding and communicating culture, traditions, history and nature The overriding aim is to strike a harmonious balance between the needs of guests, the local population and the environment. For this reason, we welcome any input, ideas or questions you may have regarding sustainability as we move forward in partnership. 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