Slovenia was ranked first in the Best of Europe’s category of sustainable destinations.  In the light of the current situation, the awards were not presented at the ITB Berlin global tourism trade fair this year, but instead announced online.

The Green Destinations foundation announced the winners and finalists on Wednesday, 4 March, while the official award ceremony will be held at the Global Green Destinations Day (GGDD) between 6 and 8 October in Bodrum, Turkey.

The Slovenian Tourist Board earned the award for introducing sustainable models in tourism at the national level as part of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism authored by the GoodPlace Sustainable Tourism Factory, and for its good practice projects in Bohinj, Maribor, Miren Kras, Idrija, and the Monstera Bistro restaurant.

Bled was one of the three finalists in the ITB Earth Award category presented to global leaders in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. First prize went to QualityCoast Delta from the Netherlands, while third prize went to Bled for its example of good practice in waste reduction. 

In 2018, Slovenia was proclaimed Best of the Planet – Best of Europe destination within the framework of ITB Berlin and Top 100 Sustainable Destinations.

Slovenia once again confirmed its leading role among tourist destinations that, through excellent good practice stories in the field of sustainable tourism destination management, ensure that local communities are included in tourist activities, while also successfully managing the challenges that come with the growing trend in tourist visits.