Seven out of ten Hessian destinations took part in the excursion, including the team from Destination Wiesbaden Rheingau, to which WICM also belongs. All ten Hessian destinations are in the certification process, and some destinations have already successfully completed their initial certification. Saxony and Saxon Switzerland were specifically selected as a destination, as the destination Saxon Switzerland has already been TourCert certified for three years. The colleagues were therefore able to provide important insights into the certification process and also pass on important practical tips for the phase after initial certification.

The program for the excursion was based on the three-level tourism model, which consists of the state level, the destination level and the local level.

The following program items took place, among others:

• Exchange with the sustainability officer of the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism and the product manager for sustainability in tourism at TMGS Tourismus Gesellschaft Marketing Sachsen mbH
• Visit to the Schmilka Organic and National Park Refuge with a guided tour of the village's sustainability and philosophy. Discussion with the managing director of the Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association, impulse about the sustainable destination Saxon Switzerland, the partner network and the guest card
• Guided tour and insight into Bad Schandauer Kur- und Tourismus GmbH with regard to sustainability at local level and explanation of the new concept for the local tourist information center