Slovenia shortlisted for National Geographic World Legacy Award
Ljubljana, 5 December - National Geographic listed Slovenia last week as one of the three finalists vying for one of the World Legacy Awards, awarded to companies, organisations or destinations encouraging sustainable tourism. The winner will be declared at the ITB Berlin tourism fair in March next year, the Slovenian Tourist Board has said.
Bovec
Slovenia shortlisted for one of National Geographic's awards. Pictured is the river Soča.
Photo: Aljoša Rehar/STA
National Geographic hands out the awards in five categories: Earth Changers, Sense of Place, Conserving the Natural World, Engaging Communities, and Destination Leadership.
Slovenia has been shortlisted for Destination Leadership, along with Kenya's Segera Retreat and the Riverwind Foundation from Jackson Hole in the US. The process included a four-day day visit to the country for assessment purposes.
Slovenian Tourist Board boss Maja Pak pointed out on the occasion that Slovenia had defined sustainable development in tourism as the only right way for the future.
The board has for instance developed the Slovenian Green certification scheme, which recognises green destinations and promoters and strengthens the reputation of Slovenia as a green, sustainability-oriented tourism destination.