SEATTLE—In honor of Earth Day, Sustainable Travel International released the latest episode of its Sustainable Travel: Where Next? docu-series spotlighting Zurich, Switzerland’s approach to responsible tourism. Produced in partnership with BlackRook Media, the short-form documentary reveals how sustainability in Zurich is a true community effort, rooted in local life and naturally extending to the visitor experience. From mobility and the arts to food and fashion, Zurich demonstrates how solutions that work for residents also enrich tourism, engaging visitors in creative initiatives that benefit both the city and the world. By showcasing the city’s efforts, the episode aims to inspire destinations, businesses, and travelers to adopt more thoughtful practices, making Earth Day not just a celebration but a call to action.
The film brings these efforts to life through real-world examples across the city. Zurich makes low-carbon transport easy through a robust public transit system, and businesses are advancing circular urban production—from modular, repairable coffee machines to clothing made with natural, plastic-free materials. Restaurants support nearby producers by sourcing local ingredients and tableware, while inclusive ballet programs make the arts more accessible.
This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscored the need for collective action to confront environmental challenges head-on. It’s a call to shift from isolated efforts to collaborative solutions. Sustainable Travel International’s Where Next? docuseries supports this vision by promoting knowledge sharing across borders and highlighting how governments, businesses, and local communities collaborate to drive long-term change. “When we share what’s working—from rethinking how we move and eat to designing more inclusive tourism experiences and protecting the places we visit—we create a ripple effect that inspires others in the tourism industry to follow suit,” said Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International.
Zurich becomes the 20th destination featured in the series, joining places like Australia, Svalbard, and Barbados in a growing collection of stories that spotlight bold ideas reshaping the travel industry. New episodes will launch later this year, continuing to highlight innovative approaches. Contact Adam Harrod at adam.harrod@blackrookmedia.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how your destination or company can be featured in upcoming episodes.
This year’s Earth Day theme also emphasized accelerating the transition to renewable energy. In alignment with that goal, the carbon emissions from producing the Where Next? docuseries are being offset through Sustainable Travel International’s Climate Impact Portfolio. Travelers and businesses can take similar action by offsetting their travel emissions, helping fund renewable energy projects that expand access to clean power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
For more information, contact kaitlynb@sustainabletravel.org.
