Title – Name
Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism
Scope / Sector / Industry
Sustainable and alternative tourism
Country / Region
Slovenia
Why is it good practice?
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) is a good practice in sustainable tourism management, as it is a comprehensive national tool-programme, created by the Slovenian National Tourist Board, with the aim of enhancing sustainability in the tourism sector, through the assessment, certification and promotion of destinations and tourism service providers that operate in a responsible manner. Based on international standards, it awards the “Slovenia Green” label to destinations and businesses that meet high sustainability criteria, strengthens the participation of local communities, promotes the protection of nature and cultural heritage and supports small local businesses. The GSST programme is distinguished because it unites different types of tourism operators – municipalities, tourist accommodation, tourist offices, natural parks, attractions and restaurants – under a common sustainability framework. Participation requires compliance with strict international standards, while technical support and ongoing evaluation are provided for continuous improvement. At the same time, it raises awareness among visitors so that they can choose responsibly.
How is it applied?
The Slovenian National Tourist Board has placed green and sustainable tourism at the heart of its strategy, considering it the right development direction for the country. In fact, Slovenia has distinguished itself internationally thanks to its competitive and attractive offer, based on sustainable, innovative and high-quality tourism products with added value.
As part of the above strategy, the “Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism” was launched in 2015, a national tool and certification program, with the aim of strengthening the sustainable development of tourism and the main strategic goal of adopting sustainable models in tourism, in line with economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability. It is in fact the national certification system for sustainable tourism in Slovenia. It is the framework, process and assessment system that allows tourist destinations and tourism providers to measure and improve their sustainability and includes specific steps, criteria, assessments and regulations for obtaining the “Slovenia Green” label.
“Slovenia Green” is the brand under which GSST certificates are awarded when a destination or tourism provider meets the program criteria. Specifically, the program certifications are divided according to the sector of activity and are as follows:
- Slovenia Green Destination
- Slovenia Green Accommodation
- Slovenia Green Attraction
- Slovenia Green Park
- Slovenia Green Travel Agency
The “products” (destinations and tourism providers) that have the above certification are displayed on the official Slovenia Green website and on the official Slovenian tourism page “I Feel Slovenia”, thus promoting sustainable and responsible travel options for visitors.
The “Slovenia Green” label can only be used by destinations and providers that have joined the GSST program and meet the conditions for obtaining it. The GSST certification program is based on the European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS) and the global criteria of the Green Destinations Standard (GDS), which has been approved by the World Sustainable Tourism Council. To obtain the “Slovenia Green” label, destinations are assessed according to the global criteria of the GDS, while providers must have one of the 10 internationally recognized certifications that are also recognized by “Slovenia Green”. Parks can participate either with supporting certification or as destinations.
Tourist destinations can obtain the “Slovenia Green Destination” label by applying and completing an 11-step process, which is summarized below:
1. appointing a sustainability officer,
2. creating a green team,
3. raising awareness,
4. signing the Green Policy for Slovenian Tourism,
5. conducting surveys,
6. collecting data,
7. writing reports and evaluation applications,
8. developing action plans,
9. defining local character and “green DNA”,
10. requesting on-site visits,
11. implementing measures and re-evaluating within three years.
Depending on the level of compliance, destinations can receive the following labeling levels: Slovenia Green Destination Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum. To be awarded the gold or platinum label, at least one accommodation provider in the destination must hold the Slovenia Green Accommodation label.
Also, during the GSST membership process, not only destinations but also service providers sign the Slovenian Tourism Green Policy, which is based on ten sustainability principles. The Green Policy sets out the fundamental commitment of Slovenian tourism to operate in accordance with the principles of sustainability and to make continuous efforts for improvement. Restaurants participating in the program sign the Commitment to Sustainable Slovenian Gastronomy.
The above program is managed by the Slovenian Tourist Board, while the organization GoodPlace – Factory of Sustainable Tourism is an accredited partner and is licensed to conduct the evaluations of destinations and tourism providers.
In 2015, the first pilot destinations and tourism businesses began to join the program, while since then the network has expanded significantly, including up to 280 destinations, accommodations, natural parks, tourist offices, attractions, restaurants and beaches throughout Slovenia.
Where is it applied?
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is designed to attract visitors seeking an authentic but also responsible and sustainable experience in the country, through a list of certified destinations and providers. It is addressed to destination managers and tourism service providers who wish to obtain a certification that will differentiate them from the market.
When did it applied?
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism program began to be implemented in 2015.
Results
The implementation of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism has brought Slovenia many recognitions and awards that prove its success. The following are indicative:
- Lonely Planet ranked Slovenia in 5th place among the countries recommended for visiting in 2022.
- Conde Nast Traveller magazine ranked Slovenia among the 12 most sustainable destinations for 2022.
- Global Green Destinations Days 2021 included 7 Slovenian destinations in the list of the 100 most sustainable destinations (Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories).
- The Slovenian Tourist Board received the bronze award from The Golden City Gate exhibition (ITB Berlin 2020) for the promotional film Slovenia Green: The Story of Green Slovenia in the category of eco-tourism.
- At the Global Green Destinations Days 2020, 9 Slovenian destinations were included in the list of the 100 most sustainable destinations.
- The Italian magazine Weekend Premium awarded Slovenia with the Green in Europe award for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism at the Weekend Premium Awards 2020.
- The Slovenian National Tourist Board received the Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards in the Best of Europe 2020 category for introducing sustainable tourism models at the national level.
- At the Global Green Destinations Days (GGDD) 2019 conference, 31 Slovenian destinations were included in the list of the top 100 sustainable destinations in the world.
- At ITB Berlin 2019, a number of destinations with the Slovenia Green label received recognition for their best sustainable practices in the Sustainable Top 100 Destinations Awards.
- Slovenia was declared the first Green Country in the world at the World Green Destinations Day 2016.
Furthermore, according to the European Interreg Programme, the Slovenia Green initiative is one of the best practices in managing cultural and sustainable tourism in Europe.
Other information
The official website of the Slovenia Green initiative is: https://www.slovenia-green.si/ while more information about the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism can be found here: https://www.slovenia.info/sl/poslovne-strani/zelena-shema-slovenskega-turizma.
