Sustainability
In San Vigilio Dolomites, social sustainability is an integral part of our tourism approach, and the success of the destination is closely tied to the people who shape and live in this region. Respecting and promoting social aspects is of utmost importance to us.
We are committed to ensuring that every tourist has an authentic and mindful experience that actively contributes to the well-being of the local community. Achieving balanced tourism development requires gaining the support of the local community, collaborating with local entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable initiatives.
Our destination supports local entrepreneurs, including farmers, livestock breeders, artisans, restaurateurs, and merchants, encouraging both visitors and locals to buy regional products—locally sourced and produced to the highest natural standards.
“AgriColArt,” the farm market, was born from the collaboration of our farmers, breeders, and creative artisans, who have come together to host a weekly market. It is a unique gathering place for nature lovers and those who appreciate natural or processed products, always grown under the protection of the Dolomites. These products come from the meadows, fields, pastures, and forests of Marebbe.
In Marebbe and San Martino in Badia, many regional products can also be found in neighborhood shops and small stores, which have even established themselves in the Ladin Viles and on farms, where typical local specialties are made following centuries-old traditions.
When traveling, it is always important to respect the locals and their traditions. Many of the beautiful landscapes you pass through are private property, so you may encounter farmers at work. Our farmers put great effort into maintaining the surrounding meadows. We kindly ask you to respect their hard work by staying off the grasslands and keeping to the marked trails.
If you meet a farmer, greet them warmly and express your gratitude—better yet, in Ladin with a “bun dé” and an “iolan.” This will make you feel like part of our big family. Without their dedication, many of the hiking trails would not exist!
The San Vigilio region is an area of rare beauty, with forests, meadows, and mountains that create a spectacular natural landscape in every season. We want everyone to fully enjoy this scenery, which is why accessibility is a core value for us. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can experience their vacation and leisure time without obstacles or difficulties, enjoying the nature, hospitality, and impressions of the Dolomites to the fullest.
For this reason, we are committed to offering accessible locations, facilities, and services, regardless of physical abilities. We collaborate with "South Tyrol for All" to identify barrier-free hiking trails.
You can find our six certified trails on the website: www.altoadigepertutti.it
At San Vigilio Dolomites, we work together with our members to promote a responsible tourism model that respects and enhances our natural, cultural, and social heritage. Our destination embodies all the principles of sustainability, collaborating closely with the local community and visitors to ensure the harmonious development of the region.
Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in concrete initiatives aimed at reducing the ecological and social impact of our activities and tourism. We are dedicated to conserving natural resources and promoting the well-being of our community. Sustainable practices are integrated into every phase of our tourism offerings, from hospitality to entertainment, prioritizing the use of local resources, renewable energy, and eco-friendly solutions.
Our efforts go beyond environmental concerns; we also aim to support local culture, Ladin traditions, and the history of our valley. This ensures that our region remains an authentic and welcoming place for future generations.
We believe that tourism can be a positive force, creating shared value and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives in and visits our beautiful destination. Involving not only tourists but also the local community in these initiatives is essential, as their support is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals.
The Tourism Cooperative follows a participatory management model for the destination, involving representatives from all economic sectors: hoteliers, guesthouse owners, restaurateurs, retailers, ski schools, farmers, cable car operators, and artisans. We collaborate closely with the local community, organizing events, training sessions, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives actively involve residents and partner with external companies that share our values of sustainability.
A key partner is the Visitor Center of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park in San Vigilio di Marebbe, an educational hub that teaches visitors how to interact with nature respectfully.
Since 2021, we have been offering training programs for the staff of accommodation providers, specifically targeting seasonal workers, to deepen their understanding of the local culture and improve both guest integration and information services.
In Val Badia, volunteer associations have a long-standing tradition rooted in the spirit of simple people who have always supported one another in times of need and crisis. This reflects the tradition of solidarity and cooperation characteristic of South Tyrol’s mountain communities and has led to the formation of numerous volunteer organizations.
In San Vigilio Dolomites, this tradition and the strong civic spirit of the associations continue to thrive. Volunteers of all ages are actively involved in various fields, including health care, disaster relief, environmental protection, culture, sports, and music. With great dedication, they devote their time to serving the community, fostering a sense of solidarity among residents and strengthening the unity of the Ladin people.
There are also many opportunities for gatherings and celebrations to honor and recognize their civic engagement and the invaluable support they provide to the community.
In San Vigilio Dolomites, tourism is a vital driver of the local economy and development, contributing to a hospitable and culturally open environment. While it has both societal and environmental impacts, our goal is to foster a sustainable awareness of responsible tourism among visitors and locals alike. We aim for harmonious coexistence that considers the needs of all stakeholders.
We strive to redistribute the benefits of tourism so that the community recognizes its importance and can share in its advantages. Every resident plays a role in contributing to the Ladin culture of hospitality through their work and attitude toward tourists.
A pressing issue is the real estate market: rising prices are affecting the cost of living, particularly for young people, and risk driving them out of the region. While tourism is not the primary cause, a joint effort from policymakers and financial institutions is essential to address this challenge.
To limit the social and environmental impacts of tourism, especially during peak seasons, it is essential to act at the destination level and distribute tourist flows more evenly throughout the year. This helps avoid periods of high occupancy alternating with times of low visitor numbers.
As a cooperative, one of our goals is to promote “year-round tourism.” We strive to offer vacation opportunities even during less busy seasons. We are delighted to welcome you in autumn and spring—times when nature enchants with its vibrant palette of colors.
To make our region attractive and welcoming all year round, we offer exclusive packages such as "Autumn Special" and "Spring Special." These include numerous activities and unique experiences, available for free or at significantly reduced prices, to encourage visitors to enjoy their holidays during these quieter, less crowded seasons.