TOURISM CONSULTING THAT GOES BEYOND
For Responsible Tourism
“In everything you do, consider what will endure in the end – that is sustainability”
(Eric Schweitzer)
We at Trail Angels provide consulting and develop projects in sustainable tourism. Our expertise is based on a long-standing and ever-growing wealth of knowledge gained from implementing projects, particularly through operating our own booking center. Designing projects with impact and sustainability is our unwavering principle. Only in this way can we create beacons of sustainable tourism whose added value for regions far exceeds initial development costs – as we have proven many times with the Alpe-Adria-Trail and many other projects.
PORTFOLIO
Our consulting portfolio focuses on the development and implementation of bookable products in sustainable outdoor tourism.
PROJECTS
With more than 50 projects in 17 different countries and numerous awards (e.g., “Best Tourism Project Europe 2022”), we demonstrate that the future of tourism can only be sustainable!
TOOLS
To fulfill our mission as pioneers and shapers of sustainable outdoor tourism, we have developed innovative tools such as a trail management and booking system, which we have successfully applied many times.
Our Consulting Portfolio
©Michael Stabentheiner/Kärnten Werbung
Long-Distance Hiking Trails
We develop long-distance hiking trails! From the initial idea, through an exciting storyline and route planning, to product development and concrete bookability. If desired, we also integrate booking management via our Trail Info & Booking Center. This is our passion, for trail development we are known for, and fpr this we have developed innovative and powerful tools. With Bookyourtrail® – our online trail booking and management system – we offer a unique and proven tool that opens up unprecedented possibilities for services (from partner accommodations in various categories to diverse mobility options). Thanks to this, our successful projects – from the Alpe-Adria-Trail, Salzburger Almenweg, Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail & Luchs Trail to the E5 – have sustainably and positively transformed long-distance hiking in the Alps.
Long-Distance Cycling Routes and Bike Trails
Our innovative approach to developing and designing hiking trails can also be optimally applied to long-distance cycling routes and bike trails. For stage-based cycling routes – from leisurely trekking paths to challenging mountain bike trails – this process requires a more differentiated and flexible approach. The result: sustainable and resilient trail designs and management models for remarkable transnational cycling routes such as the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail and the Iron Curtain Trail – EuroVelo 13, as well as mountain bike projects like Trans Nationalpark and the emerging Hohe Tauern Bike Trail – 14 National Park Valleys – Your Goal!
© Thomas Sattler/AOEBT
©Markus Beren/Samer Trail
Product Development in Outdoor Tourism
Product development remains the neglected wallflower in tourism work. Large-scale infrastructure projects or major events promise media attention and validation for decision-makers in politics and tourism. While that may have its place, what is often forgotten is what ultimately drives bookings: attractive travel products. Easily accessible, individually plannable and serviced, balanced in sustainability, and enriched with a compelling story. That’s why we at Trail Angels are passionate and committed product developers – for linear products (trails), destination-based products, experience programs, and innovative explorer tours to discover new, unknown worlds. Because we are convinced, that tourism needs more mindfulness and courage!
Storytelling for Travel Products
The most successful projects are those driven by inspired people and capable of emotionally captivating their audience. And yes, nothing captivates more than a fascinating story. Without a story, a hiking trail is just a connection between two places. Without a story, a mountain is just a pile of rocks. We at Trail Angels understand the irresistible power of compelling storytelling for travel products. That’s why we integrate it as an essential component in developing our flagship products and also offer it as a standalone service upon request – evocative, authentic, creative, and always based on thorough regional research. For example, the unique nature experience on the Luchs Trail, in Austria’s wild heart, where nothing touches you more than hiking in the presence of mystery: “Did you see the lynx? No? Isn’t that wonderful!”
©Max Mauthner/Luchs Trail
©Roland Oberdorfer/Kärnten Werbung
Carbon-Free Travel
The global climate crisis is a societal challenge that urgently demands answers – especially in an emissions-intensive industry like tourism. Too often, promising packaging hides ineffective partial solutions or blatant greenwashing. That’s why we at Trail Angels have taken the step of consistently integrating measures to reduce the ecological footprint into the experience design of our products – and making them measurable and visible using Carmacal®, the leading online carbon footprint calculator. This creates low-carbon travel products with a certified carbon footprint that do not diminish the traveler’s experience but rather enhance it through active involvement. This is what future travel offers look like – a concrete booking reason for environmentally conscious guests.
Fair Trails® – Sustainable Tourism in the Global South
Tourism is often the only opportunity for economic development in rural regions of developing and emerging countries. However, this frequently comes with uncontrolled growth, resource exploitation, and lack of local involvement, leading to one-sided economic dependencies that deprive regions of the ability to develop independently and sustainably. Tourism in these regions often poses more risks than opportunities. That’s why we at Trail Angels developed the integrative tourism model Fair Trails® for sustainable tourism projects in the Global South – successfully applied in collaboration with recognized development agencies such as ADA and GIZ in projects in Nepal and with the award-winning High Scardus Trail in the Western Balkans. As a member of the Remote Alliance, we also bring the combined expertise of our alliance partners to particularly ambitious tourism projects.
©Max Mauthner/Luchs Trail
LATEST ON SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR TOURISM
The Trail Angels Blog
“If you don’t have good news, then don’t bring any.”
(Bob Dylan)
Our world could truly use more good deeds and messages. Even though we are a small company, we try to make our tiny contribution to a better world through sustainable tourism—and share it on our blog. Here you’ll find updates on our projects, ideas and impulses for new sustainability initiatives, inspiring travel stories, and external commentary. Our blog helps you get to know us, our mission, and our work—and might even inspire your next trip or a new sustainable tourism project. Enjoy reading!
MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE TRAIL ANGELS
We Are Award-Winning
“Praise is the food of the soul.”
(Socrates)
The appreciation of our guests and project partners is the greatest recognition and motivation for future tasks in sustainable tourism. We strive to meet the highest quality standards, welcome feedback on Trustpilot®, are one of the few Austrian travel agencies with Travelife sustainability certification, act as the official trail service and booking center for more than 20 trails, and have won several prestigious awards for our projects.
Learn more about our awards here.
SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT
About Us
When we founded Trail Angels 10 years ago, we combined our knowledge and experience from teaching, consulting, and destination management with our boundless passion for the outdoors. We consciously chose new, less-trodden paths—always inspired by our conviction that sustainable tourism can not only create value but is the sole perspective for the future of travel. Over the years, this mission has shaped a team that blends experienced and recognized outdoor and tourism experts with the “true angels”—a young, helpful, and competent service and booking center team.
Learn more about us Trail Angels here!
YOUR MESSAGE TO US
Contact
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