The State Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and adopted the new revision of the Cantonal Climate Plan in June 2021.
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Geneva
Responsible Tourism Initiatives in Geneva
Geneva is taking action to address environmental and social challenges in tourism.
The Canton, the City and the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation each implement policies and initiatives addressing environmental, social and economic issues relevant to the destination. As a keen traveller, you too can take action while discovering the world thanks to new consumption habits, activities and ways of visiting places. Below are practical options and initiatives that can help visitors make informed choices during their stay.
Strategy and actions
Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation
Tourism contributes to Geneva’s economic, cultural and social vitality. Like any activity, it also has an impact on the environment and the destination. Aware of these challenges, Geneva Tourism & Conventions has developed, together with its partners, a responsible tourism strategy for the 2026–2030 period.
Initiatives locales et options pour un tourisme responsable à Genève
Vous recherchez des produits locaux, des établissements certifiés ou d’autres initiatives pendant votre séjour ?
Discover the restaurants that are ambassadors of Geneva’s terroir, and encourage Geneva producers!
Ambassadeur du Terroir Genevois
The “Ambassadeur du Terroir Genevois” label distinguishes cafés, restaurants and hotels that promote local products. Created in 1997, the label is valid for one year and is renewable if the establishment continues to meet the conditions for obtaining it. It is awarded by the Label Commission, which is made up of five members representing the Société des Cafetiers Restaurateurs, the Société des Hôteliers de Genève, and three representatives of the agricultural community (two wine growers and one market gardener).
GRTA label
What is “Genève Région – Terre Avenir (GRTA)”?
GRTA is a label that aims to guarantee the quality of Geneva’s agriculture. It was created in 2004 and is owned by the State of Geneva. GRTA is the result of a partnership between producers and the food industry. It certifies that a given product comes from the Geneva region and respects standards of quality, traceability and fairness. It is controlled by an independent body. GRTA meets consumer expectations by promoting the principles of sustainable development.
GRTA’s 4 principles
Quality:
The GRTA label is a guarantee of fresh, quality products. Specific controls are carried out throughout the production chain.
Traceability:
GRTA products are controlled from the field to the plate. The products are monitored at every stage, from production to processing, packaging and distribution.
Proximity:
The origin of the products is controlled. The production and processing areas lie in the Canton of Geneva and its free zone. This proximity reduces the environmental impact of transport and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Fairness:
People working along the production chain benefit from the conditions laid down in the standard contracts and collective labour agreements.
Fait Maison label
The Fait-Maison (lit. “Homemade”) label distinguishes, on a voluntary basis, restaurants whose food is prepared entirely or for the most part in their own kitchens, without the use of pre-cooked dishes and products.
Visite the website
Read the "Fait Maison" label Specifications
EcoCook label
EcoCook is Switzerland's leading certification and support program for businesses in the hospitality, restaurant, and café sectors.
Highly regarded in Swiss public procurement, by tourism authorities, and accommodation platforms, it is recognized as a benchmark for excellence in sustainability.
The program’s mission is clear: to assess, enhance, showcase, and communicate sustainable practices and commitments, positioning organizations as the top choice in their field.
Through EcoCook, organizations can:
- Boost their overall performance and environmental impact,
- Achieve significant cost savings,
- Ensure sustainable practices across all operations and management levels,
- Mitigate risks and build resilience,
- Access a tool for ongoing management, monitoring, and improvement,
- Effectively communicate and highlight their dedication to sustainability.
Hotels holding recognised certifications
Use the filter to identify accommodation providers participating in selected sustainability programmes or holding the certifications indicated on their listing. Check each provider’s profile for the applicable programme, level or certification.
Sustainable choice
Eating locally in the heart of Geneva is possible!
Local food
In this section, we offer you a selection of “locavore” restaurants that promote local products and wines from Geneva or the French-speaking part of Switzerland, favouring short circuits and seasonal products, an approach from field to plate that has been attracting a growing audience for a while now. Here’s an overview.
Sustainable restaurants in Geneva
Eating sustainable and local food is now everyone’s business and this commitment is also taking off in the restaurant industry and in establishments that have chosen a sustainable, local and meaningful path. Favouring short circuits, reducing food waste and respecting the seasons are all goals that actors on Geneva’s gastronomic scene are aiming for.
Geneva offers many possibilities, including the fine selection of low carbon impact activities
Low carbon activities
Sustainable tourism also means favouring activities with a limited impact on the environment. Geneva offers many possibilities, including the fine selection of low carbon impact activities below
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