After the Mediterranean the Alps are the second most favoured holiday destination in Europe with 60 million visitors per year, mainly because of the skiing facilities. The impact of tourism is projected to increase as a result of greater affluence and the change in lifestyle and demographics. Tourism is still one of the fastest growing industries in Europe and tourist behaviour remains a crucial factor for sustainability.
Sustainable, slow, low impact or Eco tourism is still marginal, but over the last years some new trends and destinations have been emerging. The Vigilius Mountain Resort in Lana, South Tyrol is one of them.
The resort is located at 1,500 metres and can only be reached by cable car or on foot. The property has the shape of a fallen tree and the philosophy of the enterprise is based on a genuine and deep-felt respect for the environment and the surrounding nature.
This philosophy is realized in all areas – from the nature-based construction methods to the sustainable use of local resources. The resort builds on old local traditions, but also integrates the latest technologies. Everything revolves around the local landscape and nature.
The principle of organic architecture not only manifests itself in the shape of the buildings, but also in the use of green grass covered roofs and the use of locally grown larch wood throughout. A large part of the property is timber structure. The shell of the building is highly insulated to avoid heat loss especially in the cold winter months.
Wood is also key for the biomass heating system, which is not only clean burning but also gives local farmers a second income and ensures that the forests are managed and cultivated. Water comes from a local spring and is carefully managed in the bathrooms and spa areas.
Architect Matteo Thun created this luxury mountain hideaway where awareness co-exists with aesthetics, and everything revolves around nature and landscape. The hotel was opened in 2003 and has received a large number of design as well as environmental awards.
However, remember, the biggest environmental impact of tourism is transport. Tourism is one of the main drivers of increased demand for transport, particularly the most environmentally damaging modes: private cars and, more critically, air transport. In Europe, in 2005, about 59 % of the tourists reached their destination by road and 34 % by air. Air traffic is expected to double over the next 20 years.
Next time you book a hotel, ask what their CO2 emissions per m2 are – 50kg/m2 or less would be a good benchmark. Energy efficient hotels are the new design hotels!
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