Stein village centre development wins 2025 Location Promotion Award

The development of the Stein village centre has been honoured with the 2025 Location Promotion Award by Netzwerk Standort Schweiz. The jury recognised this forward-looking cooperation project in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, which strategically combines and sustainably strengthens the economy, culture and tourism in a rural area.

The Appenzeller Schaukäserei cheese dairy, the Appenzeller Volkskunde Museum, the municipality of Stein, the Foundation for Appenzell Folklore and the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden are jointly developing a new and vibrant centre in Stein. The traditional Appenzell cheese production, the communication of Appenzell folk culture, meeting places, gastronomy and a possible hotel will be combined to create an overall experience for visitors. The aim is to strengthen the attractiveness of the location, increase added value and raise the profile of the regional identity in the Appenzell region.

The jury particularly highlighted the strategic approach, methodological innovation and long-term impact of the project. The development of a joint touchpoint architecture and customer journey across multiple partners was particularly well received. The site development responds to the need to renew existing infrastructure while creating new prospects for the future for residents, visitors and the regional economy.

The project is currently in the detailed planning stage and the local planning framework conditions are being finalised. The next steps include a variance procedure for the site architecture and the further development of the structural and operational concepts.