54 of the best hosts in the world heritage site Wachau have joined together to form the premium-quality brand “Best of Wachau”. The organisations come from the most important sectors in Wachau’s tourism landscape, such as the hotel, gastronomy, café and farm holiday industries. To become a member, the organisations were subject to an assessment by independent experts during a secret visit (mystery guest check). They needed to achieve at least 85% of the available points in order to be accepted. The quality criteria were developed and ascertained together in advance.  In addition to the usual quality criteria for tourism companies, these operators also undergo intensive checks to verify whether they meet the high requirements of regionality and whether they pass on the idea of World Heritage to their guests. The companies are also committed to a high degree of mutual collaboration, reciprocal discourse and ongoing training on the issues concerning regionality and conveying the idea of World Heritage. This cooperative system has now been active for six years and has been extremely stable since the start. In 2017, the “Best of Wachau Goldclub” further contributed to the sustainable development of the cooperation. Ever since then, the companies have been offering loyal guests to participate in Wachau experiences in the World Cultural Heritage site, such as guided tours to special sites of the World Heritage or an insight into the collaboration itself.

“More than 50 companies are taking part in this tourism partnership. I find the concept of continuous training and shared excursions particularly interesting – it means the companies involved see themselves as ‘learning organisations’ too.”

 “The companies have to show their guests that World Heritage is a mark of quality in tourism too. Best of Wachau signifies a tourism experience that offers the highest quality with authentic traditions in association with regional products and services. That is sustainability.”