At the event of the Slovenian Tourist Board, which took place yesterday at Tavčarjeva domačija in the Poljanska Valley, the destination of Brežice once again received the highest recognition – the platinum Slovenia Green Destination label.
This year, the Slovenian Tourist Board awarded 50 Slovenia Green labels, including 22 destinations that renewed their labels and 28 new providers that joined the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism.
Brežice remains among the leading sustainable destinations in the country, as together with Bohinj, Ljubljana, Laško, Kranj and Velenje, it is one of only six destinations in Slovenia to hold the prestigious Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label. This achievement is especially significant because the criteria of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism were recently updated and made more demanding. The reassessment process therefore took place under stricter standards, yet Brežice successfully retained its platinum label and once again proved that it ranks among the best systematically managed sustainable destinations in Slovenia.
The evaluators particularly highlighted the destination’s care for cultural heritage, strong cooperation with the local community, support for local providers, and concrete sustainable practices such as zero-waste events, cooperation with the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, and the integration of local offerings into the destination’s tourism story.
An important part of this success is also represented by local providers who put sustainable values into practice. Among accommodation providers, the Slovenia Green label was yesterday awarded to Tourist Farm Pri Martinovih and Hotel Toplice (Terme Čatež), while among hospitality providers the label was awarded to Klub MC Brežice. The Info Interpretive Centre Penine Istenič also received the recognition, presenting the story of premium sparkling wines and authentic experiences.
Special recognition this year was also awarded to Ana Ponikvar, who was selected as the Green Coordinator of the Year. As a green coordinator, she has for many years played an important role in shaping the sustainable development of the destination, and the evaluators especially praised her professionalism, ability to connect stakeholders, dedication, and commitment.
