Vienna Joins UN Tourism’s Global Network for Sustainable Tourism Observatories
Vienna has officially become the latest member of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), a UN Tourism initiative focused on monitoring the environmental, social, and economic impact of tourism at the destination level. With this milestone, Vienna joins a global alliance of 46 observatories committed to shaping more responsible and resilient tourism.
“We warmly welcome Vienna to the INSTO network,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. “By joining this global initiative, Vienna shows its commitment to sustainability—bringing value not only to individual businesses but also significantly enhancing the well-being of the entire destination.”
The move aligns closely with Vienna’s newly launched Visitor Economy Strategy, a comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap designed to balance tourism development with quality of life, resource conservation, and cultural preservation.
“Through the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, Vienna fosters dialogue, innovation, and collective stewardship to co-create sustainable destination development,” said Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board. “This ensures that tourism enhances the quality of life for all, while preserving Vienna’s unique cultural and natural resources.”
A Strategic Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability
The creation of the Sustainable Tourism Observatory is central to Vienna’s strategy, serving as a key implementation tool for its Visitor Economy Strategy. It also supports broader municipal initiatives like the Smart Climate City Strategy and Vienna 2030 – Economy and Innovation location strategy.
This step reinforces Vienna’s role as a global benchmark in sustainable urban tourism—demonstrating a deep commitment to data-driven decision-making, community well-being, and long-term destination resilience.
By joining INSTO, Vienna strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable and innovative tourism, setting an example for cities worldwide.
