Prepared for what lies ahead in tourism
Stay up-to-date with current, independent statistics and information on tourism in the Alpine region.
F.acT: There was already an earlier theALPS award via AlpNet. Why is there now a new edition in the course of the Alpine Climate Summit (AlpenKlimaGipfel) and what has changed here?
Karin Seiler: In the years 2012 to 2015, prizes were already awarded as part of the annual theALPS conferences in the Alpine region. After the last theALPS conference took place in 2016, the prize was no longer awarded. In the course of the Alpine Climate Summit (AlpenKlimaGipfel) at the Zugspitze, which has been successfully established for 2 years, the idea was born to use this contemporary platform and the network there to once again award prizes for innovative and sustainable products and services in the Alpine region. As president of the AlpNet association, I put forward the idea to my 8 colleagues to create another Alps Future Award 10 years later to showcase the innovative strength and competitiveness of the Alpine region. The annual Alpine Climate Summit (AlpenKlimaGipfel) is the perfect location and platform to present this special award. AlpNet would like to recognize outstanding achievements in Alpine tourism that combine sustainable management and innovation.
F.acT: Who is this award aimed at and what will be the focus in 2026?
Karin Seiler: The Alps Future Award in the tourism category is aimed at tourism service providers in the 9 AlpNet countries, this year with a focus on innovative products and services in the mountains. We are looking for products that strengthen the future viability of tourism businesses, destinations or public institutions in the Alpine region through responsible management, innovative business models and transformative approaches. The focus is on initiatives that demonstrate as good practices how sustainable development in Alpine tourism can be implemented ecologically, socially and economically and transferred into longer-term transformation processes.
F.acT: What is the exact tendering procedure?
Karin Seiler: First of all, the formal criteria must be met. This includes a timely submission by midnight on March 15, 2026. In addition to businesses and companies, tourism organizations from all AlpNet partner regions, i.e. Tyrol, Salzburgerland, Allgäu, South Tyrol, Trentino, Graubünden, Lucerne, Bern and Valais, are also eligible to participate. Projects that have already been operational for at least one year and were implemented no more than five years ago can be submitted. Concept papers or studies that are still in the planning phase should not be submitted. Submissions must be made digitally. In addition to a meaningful title, the information should include a brief description (approx. 150 words) and contact details.
The submissions will be collected by MCI Tourism and checked in advance for formal criteria. The jury, headed by Prof. Hubert Siller, then selects nine projects together with experts from tourism research, practice and the media, from which the three finalists are selected in a second phase. The jury's assessment criteria are based on the following key points
- Customer benefit & degree of innovation (30%)
- Economic success (20 %)
- Consideration of the natural environment and landscape (30%)
- Social impact (20 %)
The 3 finalists will be visited by the jury members in advance and presented at the AlpenKlimaGipfel 2026.