Silver Green Destinations Award for Zagreb County - a significant step forward from Bronze level in 2024

Zagreb County, via Zagreb County Tourist Board, successfully achieved international recognition for its policy of sustainable development and achievements in destination management through the program Green Destinations Awards.

After an extensive period of preparation, systematic documentation and reporting on more than 75 sustainability criteria, and an independent field audit, Zagreb County has been awarded the Silver Green Destinations Award level of recognition. This confirmed excellence in key areas of sustainable destination management - including preservation of natural and cultural heritage, social welfare, strategic planning and responsible management of tourism development.

This recognition represents a clear and measurable progress compared to 2024, when Zagreb County first gained the Bronze levelOver a period of two years, the destination has improved management mechanisms, strengthened coordination among stakeholders, and established a more structured monitoring and reporting system through the Destination Management Plan. Overall A score of 7,0 confirms the transition to the higher, Silver level of recognition..

The highest score was achieved in the area Culture & Tradition (8,3), where the strong role of cultural and artistic societies in preserving intangible heritage – traditional music, dance, handicrafts and local building skills – was particularly recognized. High marks were also achieved in the segments Social Well-being (7,8) te Nature & Scenery (7,5), which confirmed the focus on the quality of life of the local community and responsible management of natural resources.

The Green Destinations Award represents an important step towards full, independently verified sustainability certification in accordance with the international standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which further positions the Zagreb County as a destination that bases sustainability on evidence, transparency and continuous improvement.

The auditor's report confirms visible progress compared to the previous evaluation and emphasizes that the destination views sustainability as a long-term development process. At the same time, clear recommendations are given for further improvement, especially in the area of ​​environment and climate policies, which will be one of the priorities in the coming period.

"Progress from Bronze to Silver level in a relatively short period of time confirms that we have built sustainability into the strategic management of the destination. We are systematically working to strengthen cooperation at all levels - from local tourist boards and cultural societies to county institutions and the economy. This recognition is confirmation of joint work and a clear direction of development. For us, the Green Destinations recognition is not the end of the process, but a strong incentive for further improvement. We will use the recommendations from the audit as the basis for a new development cycle, especially in the segment of environment and climate policies", said the director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, Ivana Alilović.

Green Destinations is an international foundation that supports destinations around the world in establishing credible and independently verified sustainability management systems. The awards and certification programs are accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and promote continuous improvement, transparency and evidence-based reporting.