The Ladin valley of Val di Fassa is set to receive global recognition for its sustainability efforts after meeting the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), marking a significant milestone for one of the Dolomites’ most prominent destinations.
The certification – based on compliance with more than 40 international criteria for sustainable tourism destinations – will be formally awarded in early May at the headquarters of the Comun General de Fascia.
“It is a source of pride for our valley to join the group of destinations that hold this certification, which commits us to working with ever greater care towards sustainability in all its aspects,” said Fausto Lorenz, president of the local tourist board, following the completion of an audit and compliance assessment earlier this year.
The recognition follows a year-long process led by the Val di Fassa tourist board, involving detailed analysis, stakeholder engagement and a series of environmental and community initiatives. Among them were the CleanUP Days held in autumn 2025, alongside workshops that brought together local businesses, associations and residents.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with Trentino Marketing, local Area Territorial Agencies and Etifor, which supported the destination through the certification process and audit conducted by an accredited body.
The GSTC framework evaluates destinations across multiple pillars, including environmental protection, economic and social sustainability, and governance. In Val di Fassa, this has translated into efforts to reduce environmental impact, safeguard biodiversity, promote fair working conditions and preserve the valley’s cultural identity.
Local authorities say the certification builds on earlier initiatives aimed at reshaping tourism in the region. In 2021, lift operators launched the Fassa (r)evolution project, creating a shared sustainability manifesto focused on energy efficiency, mobility and local supply chains. This was followed in 2023 by the Fassa 2040 strategy, designed to balance tourism growth with residents’ quality of life.
“From now on, sustainability will be a key priority in our strategic planning,” said Nicolò Weiss, director of the tourist board, emphasizing the role of collaboration between tourism operators, residents and visitors in maintaining the valley’s long-term viability.
The certification of Val di Fassa is part of a broader push across Trentino to adopt internationally recognized sustainability standards. According to regional officials, the goal is not only environmental protection but the development of a governance model that aligns tourism with community well-being.
As destinations across Europe face increasing pressure from overtourism and climate change, the move positions Val di Fassa among a growing group of locations seeking to redefine tourism through sustainability, accountability and long-term planning.
