We present to you an overview of the sustainable development activities we implemented in 2022-2023.
Brežice – A Destination Committed to Sustainable Development
Since 2018, the destination of Brežice has been actively engaged in developing a sustainable tourism model, built on integrated management of its natural, cultural, and social resources. In 2019, Brežice received the Slovenia Green Destination Silver label, and in 2022, it achieved the highest recognition – the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum, becoming only the second destination in Slovenia to do so.
Sustainable Providers and Green Commitments
Tourism providers in Brežice actively participate in the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. In addition to signing the Green Commitment, many providers have obtained internationally recognized environmental certificates such as Green Key, Travelife, and Slovenia Green Accommodation. In 2022 and 2023, several new restaurants, accommodations, and cultural institutions joined the ranks of certified providers.
Various stakeholders – from restaurants and farms to museums and tourism associations – have also pledged to reduce single-use plastics and manage resources more responsibly.
Brežice Selection – The Collective Brand
In 2022, Brežice began developing its collective trademark Brežice Selection, which connects producers of food and craft products, experiences, and accommodations. By the end of 2023, the brand included 28 certified providers and 128 unique products, ranging from food and drinks to artisan goods.
Certified products are available at key sales points: the Brežice Water Tower Visitor Center, Posavje Museum, Youth Center Info Point, Pension Les, and the online store at visitbrezice.si/trgovina.
Green Events and Zero Waste Practices
In 2023, the event Brežice City Promenade earned the Zero Waste Event title in its first year of participation. The event achieved 97.4% waste separation, with an exceptionally low waste footprint of only 40g per visitor, compared to the usual 1.5 kg at similar events.
In addition, the Bread, Wine and Salami Day – a celebration of local heritage and craftsmanship – was selected among the Top 100 Sustainable Stories worldwide.
Sustainable Mobility
Brežice promotes sustainable mobility through new cycling routes, EV charging stations, and the Bržkolo public bike-sharing system. The destination also participated in the nationwide campaign By Train to Culture, encouraging train travel to heritage destinations. In collaboration with Terme Paradiso, located next to the railway station, a special tourism package was created as the campaign’s main prize.
Since 2007, Brežice has actively participated in European Mobility Week, organizing events with schools, associations, and public institutions to promote walking, cycling, and sustainable transport habits.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
In 2022–2023, Brežice organized more than ten training programs for local providers. Topics included circular economy, zero waste implementation, innovative product development, artificial intelligence (ChatGPT), farm accounting, sustainable resource use, and burnout prevention.
Special focus was placed on enhancing knowledge in sustainable business practices, tourism product development, and the integration of green principles into everyday operations.
Cultural Heritage and Local Identity
In 2022, the iconic Brežice Water Tower reopened after full renovation. Its six floors now host an educational experience dedicated to the story of water. The site is inclusive and fully accessible to visitors of all abilities. The project Banova Domačija – Tasting Heritage continues to revive rural traditions through cooperation with local communities, associations, and businesses.
The destination was also named European Town of Sport 2022 and is officially recognized as a Youth-Friendly Municipality, emphasizing Brežice’s commitment to inclusivity, active lifestyles, and long-term community sustainability.
