The news about the unusual heatwaves facing many countries worldwide is very alarming. Sweden’s fossil-free fuel scheme, Switzerland’s Green Economy Action Plan and India’s recent National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism et al are some of the measures taken to slow down rapid deterioration of the world subsystems. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism or GSST in Slovenia is a worthy addition to this list.
GSST is a national tool that that started in 2015, its pilot destinations and tourism businesses joining it then. The scheme helps these businesses and destinations operating under the brand SLOVENIA GREEN incorporate sustainable activities and principles into their daily functions. It is owned and managed by the Slovenian Tourist Board, with GoodPlace Sustainable Tourism Factory as an accredited partner.
Green Destinations Foundation is also an international partner in this project, whose standards are maintained during the evaluation of Slovenian destinations. The scheme can be understood as a certification programme designating the level of compliance with a broad spectre of sustainability requirements in tourism.
Most beautiful corners
Eco-conscience-oriented travel destination and service providers have grown considerably in Slovenia. Currently, the scheme includes more than 130 places, accommodations, national parks, restaurants, beaches and more. The decision to adopt it came with the desperation to save the “most beautiful corners” of Earth for the future generations to experience their lives there, and the goal was set: introduction of sustainable models in Slovenia’s tourism sector for it to remain a green and healthy attractive destination.
The scheme might be based on global criteria for sustainability, but it does not forget the national characteristics and honours its requirements. The service providers need to obtain one of the internationally established symbols recognised by the scheme whereas the destinations undergo evaluation according to the Green Destinations Standard. The latter are also given symbols that are bronze, silver, golden or platinum, based on their meeting of the standards.
It is not a small and easy task to join the GSST. For the Slovenia Green Destination label, the destinations are required to go through 11 steps, from appointment of a co-ordinator to re-assessment after 3 years, which are then evaluated on point-basis. Sharp attention is also paid to the documents of the owners of travel agencies/accommodation providers to be accredited by the GSST.
The SG label has proven to be beneficial to the ones associated, as their visibility is increased with the national and international promotion. Some of the Slovenia Green Destinations are Ljubljana (Gold), Nova Gorica (Silver), Polhov Gradec (Bronze). Many accommodations like Country Estate Trnulja, Hotel St. Daniel, Vila Mila Bled etc. have got the SG Accommodation label and certification from recognised bodies. Some parks and agencies have also managed to be classified as Slovenia Green.
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