To gain insight into the current state and the challenges faced by tourism providers, we conducted a survey among local stakeholders.
The results show that companies and organizations are generally supportive of sustainable practices, but still face certain obstacles when it comes to implementation.
Sustainable Practices in Action
The survey revealed that tourism providers are already implementing measures to reduce their negative environmental impact. In the area of water conservation, the most common measures include:
- Installation of flow regulators
- Dual-flush toilet systems
- Regular maintenance of taps to prevent leaks
To reduce plastic waste, providers have introduced:
- Separate waste collection
- Use of glass instead of plastic packaging
- Encouraging guests to drink tap water
- Reduction in single-use plastic products
Awareness of Climate Change and Cooperation with Local Producers
Interestingly, 41% of respondents are fully aware of the impact of climate change on tourism, while 29% believe that awareness could still be improved. This indicates a relatively high level of awareness, but also a need for further education and adaptive strategies.
The survey also focused on collaboration with local producers. As many as 77% of tourism providers recognize the importance of supporting the local economy, with 59% already fully prioritizing local suppliers. This has a positive impact on service quality and contributes to the sustainable development of the region.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
Despite encouraging results, the analysis also points to some shortcomings. Key challenges include:
- Lack of awareness about sustainability certifications: Only 18% of respondents are fully familiar with options for obtaining sustainability labels, highlighting the need for more training and incentives.
- Underutilized collaboration with local tourism organizations: Although nearly half of the respondents already cooperate with local tourism organizations, 29% are still only considering it, indicating untapped potential for stronger partnerships.
- Poor communication of sustainable practices: Only 30% of providers regularly publish or promote their sustainability achievements, which represents a missed opportunity to improve their reputation and visibility.
The Way Forward
The survey analysis shows that sustainable practices in the tourism economy of Brežice are already well established, but there is still significant room for improvement. Increasing awareness of green certifications, strengthening cooperation between providers and local organizations, and improving communication of sustainability efforts are key steps towards a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector in the region.
