Ivana Alilović: The bronze Green Destinations certificate is the crown of our commitment to establishing sustainable tourism

Zagreb County is the winner of the bronze Green Destinations certificate, the highest standard of sustainability for destinations in the Republic of Croatia.

This certificate marks Zagreb County as a certified sustainable destination, which is the result of the long-term dedicated work of the Zagreb County Tourist Board towards sustainable tourism, preservation of the environment, social and cultural values.

"This is a great honor for us. The bronze Green Destinations certificate is the crown of our commitment to establishing sustainable tourism. Zagreb County is not only a holiday destination, but also an example of how care for the environment can be successfully combined with the tourist offer. Our county, among the largest in terms of area in the Republic of Croatia, records continuous growth in the number of overnight stays and visitors. In addition to the rich offer in the eno and gastro segment, the Zagreb County is proud of its connection with the local community. Its proximity to the capital Zagreb makes vacations closer and more sustainable than ever before. This certificate is the result of the joint work and cooperation of all participants in the tourism of Zagreb County. In order to achieve sustainability and transformation, it is important to include everyone, so that we can think together, grow and develop with the indispensable concern for the preservation of the environment that surrounds us. I would like to thank everyone who participated in achieving this important recognition." pointed out the director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, Ivana Alilović, and added that this is their joint recognition and encouragement to continue thinking and living a more sustainable future.

Zagreb County is the largest Croatian county and among the largest global destinations with the Green Destinations certificate.

Green Destinations highlights excellence in sustainable destination management. This certificate assesses various aspects of sustainable management, including nature and heritage protection, waste management, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change.

After intensive preparation and presentation of extensive documents covering as many as 84 sustainability criteria, and independent auditing in the field, Zagreb County was awarded a bronze Green Destinations certificate, which signifies excellence in all areas of sustainable destination management. 

This certificate also recognizes the destination's efforts to preserve the attractiveness of tourism in the future, not only through visible and tangible aspects such as natural heritage, but also through policies and management plans that take into account the principles of sustainable development.

The Green Destinations certificate represents a significant step towards fully grounded and independently verified sustainability certification in accordance with international standards prescribed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

"Future development will continue to be based on sustainability with additional attention to the development of the 'green economy', the involvement of the private sector in the implementation of sustainability measures and the promotion of recognition for good practice in environmental protection among entrepreneurs, because sustainability is not just a one-year project, it is a matter of lifestyle we choose every day.” added Ivana Alilović

About Green Destinations:

The Green Destinations Award & Certification program encourages cities, counties, regions and protected areas to promote responsible destination management on a continuous and sustainable basis and encourages the tourism sector to implement ecological practices. Participating destinations are included in the sustainability management system, with independent verification of performance and progress every 2 to 3 years, with recommendations for improvements. With the support of regional partners and representatives, more than 120 destinations in 25 countries have already received awards and certificates. Green Destinations Certification has been accredited since 2018 by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Photo: Zagreb County Tourist Board