International Recognition for Sustainable Ljubljana
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For years, Ljubljana has been proving that sustainability is part of everyday life, not merely something written into strategic documents. International certifications, prestigious awards and regular rankings among the world’s leading sustainable destinations confirm that the city successfully combines responsible management, sustainable mobility, protection of natural and cultural heritage, and a high quality of life.
Behind every award are specific projects, partnerships and decisions that help Ljubljana remain one of the leading green destinations in Europe and beyond.
Slovenia Green Destination Platinum: the highest sustainability distinction
In 2022, Ljubljana became the first Slovenian capital to receive the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label, the highest certification awarded within the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. Following a successful reassessment, the city retained its platinum status in 2025, confirming that its approach to sustainability is long-term and systematic.
The certification assesses destination management, protection of natural and cultural heritage, environmental impacts, cooperation with the local community and the sustainable development of tourism. Platinum is the highest possible level and is awarded only to destinations achieving the best results.
Green Destinations Top 100 Stories: a story that inspires the world
Ljubljana is one of the most successful destinations in the international Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition, which highlights some of the most inspiring sustainability stories from around the world.
Ljubljana was selected among the leading examples of good practice in:
2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
In addition to its record number of appearances, the city also received two special distinctions:
- 2018: Green Destinations Best of Europe
- 2019: Green Destinations Best of Cities
Ljubljana remains one of the most widely recognised sustainable cities in the competition and an inspiration to destinations around the world.
Timeline of key awards and recognitions
Ljubljana’s commitment to sustainable development has also been recognised through numerous national and international awards.
2025
The project Implementing a Zero Waste Strategy in Ljubljana Hotels was selected among the best improvements and examples of good practice in sustainable development, climate change mitigation and adaptation in the City of Ljubljana competition What You Do for the City Counts. The project encourages hotels to reduce waste and supports the transfer of good practices across the wider tourism sector.
2021
- The Green Supply Chains project became the Slovenian national winner of the prestigious Energy Globe Awards.
- Ljubljana came second in the Covid & Tourism Strategy category at the Green Destinations Story Awards for its Culture Online project.
2020
- Lonely Planet included Ljubljana among the eight most sustainable cities in the world.
- Ljubljana received recognition for digitalisation as part of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition.
2019
- At WTM London, one of the world’s leading travel trade events, Ljubljana received the ITTA Best Food Destination: Highly Commended recognition as one of the world’s best culinary destinations.
- Ljubljana received the Slovenia Green Destination Gold certification for the fifth consecutive year.
2018
- Ljubljana received recognition for sustainable tourism as part of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition.
- It also received the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories Best of Europe distinction.
2017
Ljubljana received the WTM Responsible Tourism Award for outstanding achievements in sustainable tourism.
2016
Ljubljana held the title of European Green Capital, one of Europe’s most prestigious recognitions for cities that integrate sustainability into every aspect of urban development.
2015
- Ljubljana received the prestigious global WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
- It also became the first destination in Slovenia to receive the Slovenia Green Destination Gold label.
Recognition as an incentive for the future
These awards confirm that Ljubljana successfully combines tourism development with care for the environment, cultural heritage and the quality of life of its residents.
More importantly, they provide an incentive for further improvement. Sustainability is not a one-off achievement, but an ongoing process that the city continues to develop together with its partners and residents, year after year.