Sustainability through Play - Let Your Destination Join the I-DEST Global Gamification Program!
Placing sustainability commitments within a gamified framework offers a new, experience-driven way for visitors not only to learn about responsible tourism, but to actively put its principles into practice. This playful approach encourages conscious behavior while connecting travelers to local values and service providers in an engaging and motivating way. The result is an interactive experience that not only enriches the visitor journey, but also provides measurable support for the destination’s sustainability goals.
The I-DEST gamification module will officially launch in the first quarter of 2026, but we offer an early bird discount for all municipalities and destinations whose registration is received by October 10, 2025. Discounted packages can be ordered by filling out the registration form; after submission, an invoice or payment request will be issued. Once payment is received, the destination will gain access to the administrative interface of the game platform.
Why Is It Worth Joining the Game as a Destination?
The I-DEST gamification module is not just a game—it is a strategic tool for sustainable tourism. It enables visitors to connect with the destination’s values through real, local actions, while providing the destination with measurable data, stronger visitor engagement, and visible results.
Gamified sustainability commitments enhance visitor engagement while generating real, location-specific impact—offering destinations a unique strategic opportunity.
Real visitor actions, real data
Completed challenges are automatically recorded in the destination’s sustainability monitoring system, supporting data-driven decision-making.
Stronger involvement of local providers
The challenges are built around the sustainable practices of local service providers and attractions, increasing their visibility and encouraging active participation.
Community experience and reputation building
Visitors’ personal commitments are linked to local values, strengthening the destination’s authenticity and long-term image.
Certification and funding advantages
The system aligns with international sustainable tourism certification standards, making the collected data usable for audits and development programs.
The I-DEST gamification system operates on two distinct yet complementary levels. Both are designed to encourage visitors to make sustainable choices in a playful way—while generating value and actionable data for the destination.
These two levels allow destinations to be part of a global, SDG-based sustainability framework, while also engaging their visitors creatively and meaningfully at the local level.
1. Global Sustainability Game
The goal of the I-DEST global game is to help visitors recognize and appreciate sustainable services offered by the destination in a simple, rewarding way. The system doesn’t require action—it simply raises awareness and rewards responsible choices.
How does it work?
– The service provider registers the sustainable features they offer (e.g. selective waste collection, refill stations, locally sourced menus)
– The guest scans a QR code on site, which displays the available sustainability options at that location
– The system automatically offers the relevant badges based on the available features—no proof or extra action is required
– The guest accepts the commitment with one click, earning a digital badge in their profile
– The data is recorded in the destination’s sustainability monitoring system
Examples
– At an accommodation with selective waste collection, scanning the QR code earns the guest a Waste Watcher badge
– At a restaurant using local ingredients, the guest receives the Local Menu badge
– At an accessible museum, the Inclusive Experience badge appears
Why is it beneficial?
– Guests receive positive reinforcement for choices they’ve already made by selecting a sustainable service
– Service providers are included without extra administration, as long as they offer at least one sustainable feature
– Destinations gain real-time insight into where and how sustainable experiences occur—valuable for certifications and reporting
This approach makes sustainability visible, tangible, and measurable, strengthening both visitor engagement and destination credibility.
2. Local Thematic Games
This level allows destinations to design and launch their own games, independently of the global system—based on cultural, culinary, natural, or family-friendly themes that reflect local character and values.
Possible formats:– Point-collecting discovery trails (e.g. Green Experiences Route)
– Treasure hunts using local symbols and QR codes
– Thematic campaigns (e.g. Culture for Climate, In the Footsteps of Local Heroes)
– Visitors complete on-site tasks: answer questions, take photos, discover locations
– The system awards points, badges, and a personal experience profile
– Games can be aligned with events, routes, and specific target groups
– All data appears on the visitor’s personal dashboard, just like global achievements
– Results can be shared on social media, encouraging broader engagement
– Complete creative freedom in designing challenges and storylines
– Content tailored to local USPs and strategic goals
– A tool that strengthens community collaboration and stakeholder involvement
These games offer playful, purpose-driven experiences that make your destination stand out—while connecting visitors more deeply to what truly matters locally.
Why Is It Worth Joining for Tourism Service Providers and Attractions?
The system offers tourism service providers a powerful way to visibly and credibly communicate their sustainability efforts, while becoming part of an experience chain that benefits the guest, the destination, and the wider community.
– Greater visibility through sustainability
Gamified commitments are built directly around the provider’s sustainable practices, making them highly visible to guests—e.g. refill stations, seasonal menus, or opting out of daily cleaning.
– More conscious guests, stronger reputation
Visitors who take part in the challenge actively seek providers offering sustainable options. This strengthens trust, loyalty, and creates a memorable experience.
– No additional administration
Commitments are based on practices the provider already offers. No extra reporting or verification is required—the system handles it digitally.
– Participation in destination campaigns
Providers can be included in local thematic games—appearing as checkpoints in cultural routes, food trails, or family-friendly badge quests.
– Flexibility and support
Providers can choose and modify challenges freely. The destination or I-DEST team can assist with setup and optimization as needed.
Pricing and Ordering
Until October 10, 2025, we offer an EARLY BIRD discount for municipalities and destinations. Prices are available according to the price list provided at the following link: https://storage.googleapis.com/i-dest-prod-store/gamification-price-list.pdf
Make your destination part of the experience-driven future of sustainable tourism!
The I-DEST global gamification module offers a way to make sustainability not just a strategic goal, but an integral part of the everyday visitor experience. Its playful badge system highlights the efforts of local service providers, encourages conscious choices, and delivers valuable data to support your destination’s sustainability journey.
Join now and show how sustainability can become engaging and attractive—locally, authentically, and together.