To address the urgent need for a sustainable future, tourism research increasingly highlights the necessity for a profound transformation of the sector towards sustainability, giving equal priority to socio-cultural, economic, and ecological aspects. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, provides the global framework that also guides the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, particularly in achieving social justice, climate action, environmental protection, landscape preservation, mobility, and sustainable economy goals.
Consequently, these objectives are also reflected in the Provincial Tourism Development Plan 2030+. However, for this ambitious transformation to become a reality, existing research approaches and paradigms must be reassessed and adapted to the specific phenomenon. Tourism, unlike most other economic sectors, has unique preconditions and opportunities for implementing the sustainability agenda. Since tourism is inherently location-based, linking spatial, operational, and socio-cultural dimensions is essential.
Tourism has undoubtedly contributed to economic prosperity, employment, and income growth throughout South Tyrol. However, the region is now among the most tourism-intensive destinations in Europe, leading to increased undesirable effects and conflicting goals. According to the Tourism Development Plan 2030+ (p. 70), tourism has "reached the limits of social, ecological, and economic sustainability." Issues such as traffic congestion, high housing and living costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and environmental degradation have led to declining societal acceptance of tourism. Nonetheless, the tourism sector, primarily composed of small and medium-sized family-run businesses, remains a backbone of South Tyrolean tourism and plays a crucial role in balanced social and economic development, aligning with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Main Goal of the Competence Centre for Sustainable Tourism
The centre's goal is to develop, validate, and prototype methods and procedures that strengthen tourism’s transformation potential towards sustainability and responsible socio-economic practices. To achieve this, the centre examines the economic, social, and environmental aspects of various practices, measures, and policies aimed at sustainable tourism development in South Tyrol, as well as innovative approaches and solutions for their implementation.
The centre brings together expertise, creates synergies, and fosters funding initiatives to contribute to the sustainability of tourism in South Tyrol.
To achieve its objectives, the Competence Centre operates in the following areas:
As an interdisciplinary hub for sustainability-oriented tourism research, the centre develops practical approaches and solutions, providing the province and tourism stakeholders with essential foundations to tackle future challenges.