The Leutascherhof is a Plateau Pioneer

Taking responsibility together: the Leutascherhof as a ‘Plateau Pioneer’

At the Leutascherhof Organic Hotel, we have been exploring for many years what responsible business practices in tourism can look like in practice. Our certified organic cuisine, the Austrian Eco-Label, the EU Ecolabel for accommodation providers and our public welfare report make this commitment transparent and verifiable.

Through the ‘Plateau Pioneers’ initiative, this philosophy extends beyond our own business. Together with other committed companies and the tourism board, we are working to ensure the sustainable development of the Seefeld region – Tyrol’s high plateau.

Christian Wandl is one of the project’s initiators. For him, one thing is clear: sustainable development is not achieved through individual promises, but through concrete measures, binding criteria and regional cooperation.

Dear Christian, what does the ‘Plateau Pioneers’ initiative mean for the region’s guests?

Our guests come for the unique landscape, the peace and quiet, outdoor activities and the many opportunities our region offers in every season. To ensure this remains the case in future, we must treat our natural resources with care.

The ‘Plateau Pioneers’ bring together businesses and people who take this responsibility seriously. We share experiences, refine our approaches and learn from one another. Our guests also benefit from this: through thoughtfully designed offerings, good public transport links, regional economic growth and holiday experiences centred on nature and relaxation.

At the Leutascherhof, this approach has been part of our daily work for many years. At the same time, we know that sustainable development is never a finished process. There are always areas where we can improve further.

How is sustainability put into practice by the Plateau Pioneers?

The Seefeld Tourist Board coordinates the region’s joint development and supports the participating businesses. The measures during the project period from 2023 to 2028 are guided, amongst other things, by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This is not about a single project, but rather about various areas: transport, energy, food, biodiversity, resource conservation and the long-term development of a form of tourism that is suited to the region and its natural conditions.

It is particularly important that progress is not merely claimed, but is made visible and verifiable on the basis of specific criteria. As a tourist destination, the Seefeld region holds the Austrian Ecolabel. The Leutascherhof itself has also been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel for accommodation providers.

What measures does the Leutascherhof itself implement?

One key area is transport. Guests arriving by public transport receive a discount from us. There is a direct bus service from Seefeld railway station to Leutasch, and the guest card allows free use of public transport in the region. This means you can enjoy a holiday even without your own car.

Another key focus is our cuisine. We have been using certified organic food since 2008. When sourcing ingredients, we pay attention not only to organic quality but also to origin, seasonality and traceable supply chains. Wherever it makes sense and is possible, we work with organic farmers, producers and partner businesses from Tyrol and Austria.

We believe that acknowledging that not every food item can come directly from the region is part of providing honest information. Particularly with fruit, vegetables, coffee, spices and chocolate, origin and availability vary greatly. What is crucial for us, therefore, is the combination of certified organic quality, careful selection and supply chains that are as transparent as possible.

Energy, water, cleaning, waste prevention and the responsible use of resources are also part of our environmental management. The requirements of the Austrian Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel set out binding criteria for this, and compliance with these is regularly monitored as part of the certification process.

What role does biodiversity play?

A diverse natural environment is an essential foundation for the quality of life in our region. That is why we have been supporting the Karwendel Nature Park’s ‘Lebensbäume’ project for several years.

Under this scheme, selected old trees and deadwood trees are preserved in the forest for many years. They provide valuable habitats for woodpeckers, owls, insects and numerous other species. Participating forest owners receive financial compensation for the long-term preservation of these trees.

Around the Leutascherhof too, we strive to design our outdoor areas as naturally as possible. Our natural garden creates a habitat for native plants and animals whilst also demonstrating just how beautiful a diverse, site-appropriate planting scheme can be.

How is tourism in the region changing?

Tourism must adapt to changing climatic and social conditions. This applies particularly to the winter season. Snow conditions and temperatures cannot be planned – but a varied range of holiday activities certainly can.

That is why we focus on a wide range of winter experiences: winter walking, cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow, outdoor activities, open alpine huts, relaxation and mindful time-out. A successful winter holiday does not have to depend solely on a single activity.

In summer, too, the focus is on experiencing nature. The Leutascherhof has been recognised as a hiking hotel and regularly offers guided tours. Our hiking guide not only explains routes and destinations but also shares knowledge about the landscape and how to interact mindfully with the mountain environment.

It’s not about imposing sacrifices on our guests. Rather, we want to design holidays in such a way that enjoyment, comfort, relaxation and a responsible approach to the region go hand in hand.

What are the Leutascherhof’s objectives for the coming years?

We aim to continuously improve our operational processes. This includes using energy and water as sparingly as possible, reducing waste, working even more closely with suitable partner businesses in the region, and further expanding our range of plant-based dishes.

Equally important to us is how we treat the people who work at and with the Leutascherhof. The principles of the Economy for the Common Good help us to consider not only economic indicators, but also human dignity, solidarity, environmental responsibility and employee participation.

In doing so, we want to remain honest: even an award-winning and certified organic hotel has an environmental impact. The key is not to ignore these impacts, but to reduce them step by step, regularly review our measures, and speak openly about what we have already achieved and where there is still work to be done.

For us, therefore, sustainability is not a final destination. It is an ongoing process – with clear criteria, concrete decisions and a willingness to keep learning.

Milestones on our journey

• 2008 – Organic certification
• 2010 – Awarded the ‘Grüne Haube’
• 2012 – First assessment of the business’s carbon footprint
• 2017 – First public benefit assessment
• 2018 – Started supporting the ‘Lebensbäume’ project in the Karwendel Nature Park
• 2019 – Awarded the Leonhard Animal Welfare Prize
• 2020 – Member of the Tyrol Climate Alliance
• 2020 – Co-initiator of the Green Deal for the Seefeld region
• 2021 – Member of BIO AUSTRIA
• 2021 – Second public welfare assessment
• 2021 – Member of the Tyrolean Gamechangers network
• 2021 – Christian Wandl becomes chairman of the organic farmers’ association
• 2021 – Founding member of the Plateau Pioneers
• 2022 – Christian Wandl becomes chairman of the Karwendel Nature Park

Today, our approach is further validated by two recognised eco-labels: the Leutascherhof holds the Austrian Eco-Label and the EU Ecolabel for accommodation providers. Both awards represent binding environmental criteria and regular audits of the hotel’s operations.