I-DEST Global Sustainability Challenges

Do you also feel that in today’s fast-paced world, traditional tourism is becoming outdated? We believe that a trip, a holiday, or a casual city tour can not only create unforgettable memories but also be a superpower to make the world a better place.

The I-DEST Global Sustainability Challenges is a revolutionary, gamified travel experience that transforms sustainability from dry rules into exciting adventures.

We don’t expect perfection from you. The goal is to make a few small, conscious decisions during your travels that support local communities and protect nature. Arriving by train? Refilling your water bottle? Dining at a local producer’s restaurant? In the I-DEST system, these green steps now become visible, valued, and collectible!

You can complete I-DEST challenges at dedicated accommodations, restaurants, and activity locations that have joined our network and genuinely offer green alternatives.

Completion is 100% fraud-proof and authentic, as you can only activate the challenge on-site by using a QR code scan when utilising a sustainable service.

• Does the restaurant cook with local ingredients? Boom, you’ve just earned the Local Bites challenge!

• Skipping daily towel changes at the hotel? Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the Water Saver badge!

This isn’t about sacrifices but about a higher-level, more fulfilling travel experience. With I-DEST, you can:

✅ Confidently choose accommodations and restaurants that genuinely care for the planet.

✅ Directly support local artisans, small producers, and family businesses.

✅ Reduce your travel’s ecological footprint in an enjoyable way.

✅ Build an exclusive digital badge collection that you can be proud of.

• Bottle Hero: Say no to single-use plastic! Refill your bottle at designated points.

• Water Saver: Skip daily linen or towel washing at your accommodation – save energy and water!

• Rain Drop Guardian: Visit partners who sustainably collect rainwater for irrigation and cleaning.

• Clean Waters Wanderer: Use water-friendly, biodegradable cosmetics and sunscreens to protect aquatic ecosystems.

• Sun Follower: Stay or enjoy places that use certified renewable energy (solar panels, heat pumps).

• Switch Off: Be an ambassador for energy conservation by reducing unnecessary electricity use in your room!

• Climate-Friendly Sleeper: Use air conditioning responsibly, following the provider’s tips.

• Green Power Traveller: Arrive in an electric vehicle and charge it with green energy at on-site charging points.

• Plastic-Free Guest: Choose our partners who have completely eliminated single-use plastics from their offerings.

• Recycling Expert: Show that waste is not trash but a resource: use recycling bins consciously.

• Compost-Friendly: Take advantage of on-site composting options to reduce organic waste.

• Zero-Waste Breakfast Enthusiast: Start your day with unpackaged, local, seasonal treats without disposable items.

• Plate Conscious: At buffets, only take what you can eat. Small decisions, zero food waste!

• Leftover Saver: Don’t let delicious bites go to waste! If there’s any left, ask to take it away.

• Local Bites: Taste the true flavours of the region: choose dishes made from local or nearby ingredients.

• Season Follower: Appreciate nature’s rhythm by choosing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

• Plant-Based Plate: Try a premium vegan or plant-based dish that’s not a compromise but a culinary delight.

• Tap Water Advocate: Opt for fresh tap water or locally filtered water instead of bottled water.

• Rail Rider: Choose the charming and low-emission train travel to reach your destination.

• Cycling Explorer: Hop on a bike! Explore the area on two wheels using bike-friendly services.

• Walking Adventurer: Embrace slow travel, discover hidden trails on foot!

• Public Transport Passenger: Use buses, trams, or other public transport for local transfers instead of a car.

• E-Traveller: Use e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric cars for sustainable and convenient mobility.

• Leave No Trace: Follow the “Leave no trace” principle: stay on trails and take everything back with you that you brought into nature.

• Bird-Friendly: Choose locations that support local birdlife with feeders and nesting boxes.

• Pollinator’s Friend: Support accommodations with bee meadows and wildflower gardens that are pollinator-friendly.

• Native Tree Guardian: Join tree planting, reforestation, or plant adoption programmes.

• Ethical Observer: Observe wildlife moments with the golden rules: distance, silence, and zero disturbance.

• Accessible Traveller: Choose inclusive places with accessible spaces and trained staff ready to welcome all guests.

• Bridge of Generations: Participate in programmes that bring grandparents, parents, and children closer together.

• Inclusive Guest: Support providers committed to social diversity and responsible employment practices.

• Family-Friendly Explorer: Look for bases equipped with child-friendly facilities, safe spaces, and family-oriented programmes.

• Donor: Drop off unwanted clothes, books, or toys at local charity points run by service providers.

• Volunteer Wanderer: Dedicate some of your travel time to a local environmental or social volunteer action.

• Surplus Sharer: Choose hosts who donate good-quality leftover food to those in need instead of throwing it away.

• Local Heart: Support social enterprises that allocate part of their profits directly to local community goals.

• Local Shopper: Buy directly from producer shelves or markets so your money enriches the local community.

• Craft Explorer: Join craft workshops, learn traditional techniques, and create your own souvenir.

• Story Seeker: Opt for storytelling tours led by local guides instead of dry fact-listing attractions.

• Language Friend: Learn a few kind phrases in the local language – respect is the greatest gift.

• Tradition Keeper’s Table: Taste authentic, regional dishes made from grandma’s original recipes.

• Animal-Friendly Guest: Travel with your pet or choose places that highly respect the needs of domestic and wild animals.

• Conscious Rider: Choose responsible stables where the well-being, rest time, and ethical treatment of horses are top priorities.

• Shelter Supporter: Help by visiting, volunteering, or donating to local animal shelters partnered with service providers.

This isn’t a competition but a shared, global progress. Every badge you earn tells a story of how your travels made the world a better place. Every QR code scan sends a message to providers that conscious travellers are indeed seeking green solutions!

How can you start?

• Log in to the I-DEST platform.

• Plan your trip: search the map for our partners offering challenges.

• On-site, scan the QR code, complete the task, and collect your badge!

Join, play, explore – and change the world while you travel!