The BVZ Group, which includes the Matterhorn Gotthard, Glacier Express and Gornergrat railways, impressed the jury with its holistic ESG strategy and transparent, CSRD-compatible reporting. Particular emphasis was placed on comprehensive carbon footprinting, ambitious reduction targets and innovative measures to promote biodiversity, along with sustainable energy production.
The Kursaal Bern is setting new standards for sustainability in the hotel and events industry. Amongst other things, the jury praised its use of green electricity, its plastic-free hotel rooms and its support of the myclimate climate protection project “Clean drinking water for schools and households in Uganda”.
Wikinger Reisen was honoured as a frontrunner in Responsible Tourism Management. The tour operator ensures fair remuneration, prioritises local partners and invests 20% of its profits in development aid. The company also contributes to environmental and climate protection through voluntary climate protection contributions and nature conservation projects.
Tourism and climate protection in focus at ITB 2025
Before the award ceremony, Kai Landwehr, Co-Executive Director of myclimate, discussed the opportunities of internationally standardised data collection in tourism with Jan Bärwalde of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Referring to the ESG strategy of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, which was finalised in January 2025, Jan Bärwalde explained that: “We owe it to our employees, our guests, investors and ourselves to be transparent and to have clear, verifiable goals”.
In addition, myclimate and Blueyou opened the stage programme in Hall 4.1 with a keynote speech and a workshop on climate, oceans and sustainable fisheries.
At the myclimate stand (Hall 4.1b, 205), visitors were able to find out about innovative solutions for managing CO₂ and environmental data, as well as about the Cause We Care scheme. Operations in Germany and Austria can now also join the successful sustainability programme.
Another highlight: myclimate Cause We Care was highlighted as one of five tourism innovations at the ITB and is part of the official innovation tours. Cornelia Rutishauser, Programme Manager, also presented the scheme on the Thursday as part of Sustainability Speed Dating at the fair’s renowned Orange Stage.
