In August the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) suggested Slovenia as a candidate for the World Legacy Award, a prestigious prize given by National Geographic.

Slovenia is competing in the category of Destination Leadership, which is aimed at encouraging sustainable actions, eco-friendly initiatives and the protection of the environment as well as cultural heritage. Slovenia qualified among the top 3 finals after a successful application and a thorough process of evaluation, which included a 4-day visit in Slovenia.

Namely, National Geographic awards the World Legacy Awards in five different categories: Earth Changers, Sense of Place Conserving the Natural World, Engaging Communities and Destination Leadership.

Director of STB Maja Pak emphasizes that Slovenia has chosen sustainable development in tourism as the foundation of Slovenian tourist vision. Therefore, all developmental and promotional activities run by STB reflect the pledge for sustainability in tourism: "By introducing and successfully implementing the Green Scheme of Slovenian tourism – SLOVENIA GREEN –, we've strengthened the marketing power of Slovenian tourism and advanced the development of eco-friendly tourism, which builds up Slovenia's reputation and market position as a green, boutique, sustainability-oriented tourist destination."

The winners will be announced during a special ceremony at ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism trade fair, in March 2017.

D. S., MMC; translated by K. Z.