The award ceremony took place on March 19 at the renowned Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel in Madrid. In the category “Innovation in Sports Tourism Development,” the region of Saalfelden Leogang impressed with its forward-looking project on sustainable mountain bike tourism, outperforming finalists from Italy, Costa Rica, China, Mexico, France, and Albania.
A Pioneer in Sustainable Mountain Bike Tourism
The award recognized the project “Nature-Driven Performance: Saalfelden Leogang as a Pioneer in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism,” which demonstrates how an internationally leading mountain bike destination can continue to evolve in a consistent and holistic way. The concept combines high-quality bike infrastructure and international sporting events with a clear focus on environmental protection, resource efficiency, regional value creation, and long-term destination development.
Sustainability as an Integral Part of the Destination
A key element of the award-winning project is its holistic sustainability approach: The Leogang mountain railways source their electricity entirely from regional renewable energy sources and use HVO100 fuel across their entire vehicle fleet, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 98.7 percent. At the same time, new single trails are being developed in Saalfelden Leogang according to nature-based construction principles, using natural materials and minimizing interventions in the alpine landscape. Additional measures range from targeted visitor management and awareness campaigns for nature and wildlife protection to community-driven initiatives such as “Loigom hoit zomm.”
Measurable Success for the Region and Tourism
The region ranks among the world’s leading mountain bike destinations: The Epic Bikepark Leogang will start its 25th season on May 8, and an extensive trail network attracts thousands of bikers each year — from beginners to elite international athletes. Major events such as the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, taking place from June 11 to 14 this year for the 15th time, further enhance the region’s global visibility.
International Recognition for an Entire Destination
With this award, Saalfelden Leogang reinforces its role as a best-practice example for successfully combining sports, nature, and sustainable tourism development.
“With this award-winning project, Saalfelden Leogang positions itself as a pioneer in sustainable mountain bike tourism,” says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, pleased about the international recognition. “However, this award is not only a recognition of the project itself, but of the entire destination. Numerous partner businesses, organizations, and dedicated individuals work together to connect sports, nature, and responsible tourism development,” Pointner adds.
The award also sends a strong signal for the start of the new bike season: The sustainably built Schwarzleo and Knappen trails will open as early as Easter, while Bikepark Leogang will officially launch the new season on May 8.
Photo caption: From left to right: Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik; Hannes Riedlsperger, Chairman of the Saalfelden Tourism Association; Nadja Blumenkamp, Chairwoman of the Leogang Tourism Association; and Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen and Bikepark Leogang // Credit: saalfelden-leogang.com/MichaelGeißler
