Increase efficiency, create transparency, secure competitive advantages: BMWET, OeHT, ÖW and WKÖ present information paper “Internal sustainability indicators” for the tourism and leisure industry
With the new information paper “Internal sustainability indicators“ the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET), the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank (OeHT), the Austrian Tourist Board (ÖW) and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ Federal Division Tourism and Leisure Industry) are taking a further step to support the domestic tourism and leisure industry on its path to sustainable development.
Sustainability as a business success factor
Internal sustainability indicators play a key role: They enable companies to specifically reduce energy and water consumption, make processes more efficient, and sustainably lower operating costs. At the same time, transparent sustainability data strengthens guest trust and promotes the retention and recruitment of qualified specialists. In view of future legal frameworks, such as Austria's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, sustainability indicators play a crucial role. Companies that systematically record, analyze, and optimize their sustainability performance today are well prepared for future challenges and secure a clear competitive advantage.
Support for businesses
Tourism and leisure companies can find further information on targeted funding and customized consulting services on the information pages of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) and the Austrian Federation of Austrian Industries (OeHT). These offerings support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals while simultaneously securing long-term operational advantages. State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner commented: "A holistic approach to ecological, economic, and social sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the tourism and leisure industry. A targeted analysis of their own operating performance indicators can help tourism companies position themselves for the future and strengthen their competitiveness. With this information, we aim to support the industry in operating successfully and sustainably in the long term." Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Chairwoman of the Federal Department of Tourism and Leisure, added: "Sustainability has become a key success factor for tourism companies. The new sustainability indicators help harmonize ecological and economic goals and make them visible. However, our companies need practical support – this is the only way they can fully exploit their sustainability potential and strengthen Austria internationally as a sustainable, quality destination."
OeHT Managing Director Matthias Matzer: "Sustainability indicators are no longer a 'nice-to-have'. Rather, they are a decisive success factor. This data is becoming increasingly important in our financing and funding applications. Those who are prepared here save valuable time during the processing. Furthermore, the indicators provide an optimal basis for a future-oriented and competitive corporate strategy." And Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of the Austrian Tourist Board, also recognizes the importance of the topic: "Sustainability is increasingly becoming a decision-making criterion for guests when choosing a vacation destination. Guests are also increasingly willing to pay a corresponding premium for sustainable offerings. In this respect, sustainability indicators are more than just a tool for measuring one's own progress. In an environment where sustainability is increasingly becoming a competitive factor, it is advantageous to also communicate our sustainable services to guests."