Sustainable tourism is the foundation of Slovenian tourism to which all its key stakeholders and the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) have committed within the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST). Over one hundred stakeholders have been included in it in less than six years. This unique national program, whose practical and effective tool introduces sustainable business models into Slovenian tourism and speeds them up, and enhances the basis for the marketing of green products and services, has drawn a lot of attention worldwide, which is reflected in various awards and exposures as a model of best practice.

The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is a national program and a certification scheme, which combines all efforts put into the sustainable development of tourism in Slovenia, provides specific tools for the assessment and improvement of sustainable operation to destinations and providers, and promotes the green approach under the umbrella of “Slovenia Green quality label”.

“In less than six years, 53 tourist destinations, 45 accommodation providers, four nature parks, two tourist agencies, and a site have been included in the GSST. Together with this year’s destinations that are in the process of obtaining the Slovenia Green label, we cover 80 per cent of all tourist arrivals. We are pleased with the extraordinary response and willingness to be included in the scheme, since sustainability is the only guarantee that guests will enjoy a high-quality experience and locals will have a high-quality life. We have set the goal for Slovenia to become a 100 per cent green country, and we are delighted to find that we are on track to its attainment, since most leading destinations already carry the Slovenia Green label. I am happy that the scheme has become internationally recognized and awarded for its effective implementation into practice,” pointed out Mag. Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board. “I commend all who have recognized green as the right way to function and provide quality at various levels.”

The hundredth Slovenia Green Label has been granted to Nebesa Chalets. Destinations which entered the process of obtaining the Slovenia Green Destination label last year have successfully concluded the process after a year and obtained the following labels: the Soča Valley (Kobarid, Bovec, Tolmin) and Radovljica obtained the gold label, while Luče, Cerklje na Gorenjskem and Tržič obtained the bronze label. The GSST now comprises a total of 53 tourist destinations which completed eleven key steps, met the Green Destination standard criteria, and were assessed in six categories (Destination Management, Nature and Landscape, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Social Climate, and Operations of Tourism Businesses).

In 2017, The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) was awarded the prestigious National Geographic World Legacy Destination Leadership by National Geographic.

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