SLOVENIA GREEN is the umbrella brand under which the national tool for the implementation of sustainable tourism – the Slovenian Green Tourism Scheme (ZSST) – has been operating since 2015. It is a quality certificate for meeting a wide range of requirements in the field of sustainable tourism and a tool for assessing and improving the sustainable performance of all stakeholders in Slovenian tourism (both tourist destinations and tourism providers).
The Slovenian Green Tourism Scheme (ZSST) is a national programme and certification scheme under the umbrella brand SLOVENIA GREEN:
In 2021, Bohinj became the first Slovenian destination to be awarded the Slovenia Green platinum label, the highest award of the Slovenian Green Tourism Scheme for destinations.
Bohinj is one of the most beautiful examples of a carefully preserved Alpine idyll in the whole of the Alps. We are bound by many legal obligations and international conventions on environmental protection and commitments to sustainable development.
International awards prove that Bohinj is a pioneer of responsible tourism in Slovenia and the first to be awarded the highest platinum national label of the Slovenia Green scheme.
The Destination Management Centre of Turizem Bohinj has been introducing a sustainable component into its operations for 15 years.
Sustainable and responsible tourism is based on three fundamental pillars, namely the International Wild Flower Festival which connects the local people and visitors in the concern for and recognition of biodiversity and the importance of preserving the protected area; the Bohinjsko/From Bohinj brand that increases quality, shortens the supply chain and promotes entrepreneurship; and the efforts in mobility which, with the support of the Municipality of Bohinj, are based on the fundamental document for the sustainable development of the Municipality of Bohinj.
The focused destination management that is based on a clear vision and consistent implementation of measures that are defined in the Bohinj Destination Tourism Development Strategy has reaped top rewards.
In 2019, the members of the European Commission recognised Bohinj as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations in Europe, and in 2020, it was included among the safest destinations in Europe.
In November 2019, Tourism Bohinj received the prestigious silver award in the category Creating Sustainable Destination Model: Responsible Tourism at the most important tourist industry event, WTM Responsible Tourism, held in London. In the Responsible Tourism category, where no Gold Award was given, this was the highest award given at WTM London for this category.
In year 2021, Bohinj received the highest national award when it became the first Slovenian destination to carry the Slovenia Green PLATINUM label. The Slovenian Tourist Board which awards the label within the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism commented: “Bohinj develops sustainable tourism in cooperation with the local people and service providers. Their measures are well thought out and mainly oriented towards guaranteeing quality living for the local people and accepting tourism as a generator of development. With protection measures, especially those applying to the lake basin, and precise tourism development planning at the lake, the destination significantly contributes to nature protection.”
Accommodation in Slovenia that strives to be sustainable and green is grouped under the Slovenia Green Accommodation label. Accommodation can be awarded the Slovenia Green Accommodation label based on one of the primary, internationally recognised sustainability, environmental and eco-labels: the Bio Hotels, Ecocamping, EU Ecolabel, Green Globe, Green Key, Travelife for accommodation, World of Glamping Green or Hostelling International Quality & Sustainability.
Travel agencies can be awarded the Slovenia Green Travel Agency label on the basis of one of the two internationally recognised sustainability labels recognised by the Green Scheme: the Travelife label for travel agencies or the Green Globe label.
After being awarded the title of Slovenia – European Region of Gastronomy 2021 and having established the sustainability concept of “from the garden to the table”, the ZZST has expanded into the field of gastronomy. From January 2021, catering service providers can obtain the Slovenia Green Cuisine label on the basis of having previously obtained the L.E.A.F. or Green Key international sustainability certification. At the same time, they sign the Slovenian Sustainable Gastronomy Commitment, which:
In times of change and uncertainty, strategic thinking is key. Proactive planning and flexibility ensure success, especially in industries such as tourism.
Tourism Bohinj is preparing a new strategic plan, in which we strive for a balanced and responsible development of Bohinj through the prism of tourism and whose vision is: COMMUNITY TOURISM IN BALANCE WITH NATURE AND PEOPLE.
More information about the project, the baseline analysis (tourism, agriculture, biodiversity and local community) and the presentation of the proposed strategy can be found here:
Check out concrete tips to reduce energy consumption in lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and appliance operation.
Rational use of energy can reduce consumption by more than 20%. Key tips include:
Heating: heat only when necessary and maintain the optimum temperature.
Air conditioners: consider their necessity and use them wisely.
Ventilation: ventilate intelligently to reduce heat loss.
Lighting: use energy-saving lamps and switch off lights when they are not needed.
Water: conserve water, especially hot water, as it takes a lot of energy to heat it.
Electronic devices: switch them off when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Tourism is a key economic activity of the Bohinj destination, based on its preserved natural and cultural heritage. The specific characteristics of the area, such as its fragile natural environment, seasonal dependence and vulnerability to climate and economic change, expose the destination to various crisis risks.
The Destination Bohinj Crisis Plan is designed to take a systematic approach to crisis management, minimise negative impacts and speed up recovery from crisis situations. The plan is based on risk analysis, the experience of other destinations and the recommendations of international organisations such as UNWTO and WTTC.
An overview of Bohinj’s key data and achievements includes an analysis of natural resource consumption, tourism statistics and international awards.
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