Ljubljana ranked in top 100 sustainable destinations

Ljubljana has been ranked this year for the third time as a top 100 sustainable destination when the Slovenian capital hosted the Global Green Destinations Day conference.

Ljubljana and Slovenia are both now in the company of recognized countries with the most sustainable destinations, like the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Canada.

Ljubljana, one of the loveliest European capitals, has become a model for urban sustainability, creating a healthy and pleasant life for locals and visitors – a consequence of some major green transformation in the past few years.

Everyone benefits from a city centre closed to motorised traffic, electric public transport in the pedestrian zone, free access to clean drinking water in public fountains, the protection of natural biodiversity, and the creation of vast public green areas and other projects. All these green efforts were also recognised by the European Commission when they awarded Ljubljana with the prestigious title of European Green Capital 2016.

Being a city with a green soul and a high level of environmental awareness, it has managed to preserve its green character to the present day. Ljubljana is a cosy capital made to measure for people, one that has preserved the friendliness and romance of European cities.

The greatest Slovenian architect, Jo-¾e Ple-nik, left a major mark on Ljubljana in the 20th century. He completely reshaped the city according to the ideals of antiquity, connecting all the amenities for a healthy lifestyle within walking distance. The city centre, which is closed to motorised traffic, is a mosaic of picturesque red-roofed buildings from which views stretch out to green hills.

While strolling around Ljubljana, you can quench your thirst at public drinking fountains dispensing clean natural water. This is a luxury rarely found in capital cities.

Did you know that Ljubljana has more than 560 square metres of green space per inhabitant? When you need some time for yourself, sit down in one of the city centre parks or experience the huge Tivoli Park, the green lungs of Ljubljana.

The Green Supply Chains project was launched in 2015 as one of key tourism-related activities of the city of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, in preparation for assuming the title of European Green Capital 2016. The aim of the project was to increase the percentage of locally produced food, drinks, goods and services sourced by the destination’s enterprises.

The project was undertaken by Ljubljana Tourism, a tourist organization managed by the City of Ljubljana. The mission of the Green Supply Chains project is in-line with Ljubljana’s mission: the main intention of the project is to positively affect the living standard of local farmers and create conditions for their long-term operations whereby the quality and quantity of local food in hotels and restaurants will increase.

The project is resulting in an increased satisfaction of visitors and will eventually bring them back to the city and turn them into happy ambassadors for the city.

A rural development cooperative is involved to act as a link between tourism businesses and local farmers. Through this project, the city of Ljubljana has innovatively linked tourism sector and regional agriculture to bolster sustainable economic growth and create new opportunities.

A hotel with a beehive on the roof 2016 is typical of this innovative approach. The Hotel Park Ljubljana, is one of the most prominent sustainability-oriented hotels in the capital. It was the first hotel in Slovenia to receive an environmental Travelife certificate, and they have started producing their own honey on the rooftop of the hotel. Green plans for the future include an enlargement of the bee family and setting up their own herb garden. During the season, the beehives hold about 120,000 bees. Two beehives produced around 25 kg of honey last year. The honey is very clean and healthy since the parks and forests in Ljubljana are not sprayed with pesticides. This year the hotel added two additional beehives and the hotel management expects more than 50 kg of honey, which they will serve at breakfast and include in their delicious meals.