FROM BRONZE TO SILVER:
Ptuj Makes Significant Progress on Its Sustainable Development Journey
In 2026, Ptuj achieved a significant milestone in the sustainable management of its tourism destination. Following a reassessment under the Slovenia Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the destination has advanced from the Bronze to the SILVER Slovenia Green Destination label. This achievement confirms the success of its long-term, systematic efforts in sustainable destination management, the protection of natural and cultural assets, and the responsible development of tourism.
The development of sustainable tourism in Ptuj is based on coordinated, long-term cooperation within a broad local green team, in which the Public Institute for Youth, Sport and Tourism Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj) plays an active and connecting role. As the destination management organisation, the institute is responsible for the sustainable development and management of the destination.
In close cooperation with the Ptuj City Municipality, public institutions, tourism businesses and other key local stakeholders, the institute helps shape and implement the destination’s sustainable development policies, covering everything from tourism management and product development to fostering cooperation across the local community.
“Ptuj has been part of the Slovenia Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism since 2016, and this year our sustainability efforts have finally borne fruit. Since the last recertification in 2023, when we received the Bronze label, we have stepped up our efforts to implement sustainable initiatives throughout the city and document their results. The measures and projects carried out by each of our key stakeholders in their respective fields have made a significant contribution to our high assessment score. They clearly demonstrate that we see sustainability as a long-term development priority, one that we are increasingly putting into practice. This Silver recognition is the result of joint efforts, systematic work and responsible action. I would therefore like to thank everyone who contributes to the green story of Slovenia’s oldest town,” says Matic Ber, Director of the Public Institute for Youth, Sport and Tourism Ptuj.
PTUJ ADVANCES FROM BRONZE TO SILVER, ACHIEVING ITS HIGHEST SCORE IN CULTURE AND TRADITION
In its 2026 assessment, the destination of Ptuj advanced from the Bronze to the Silver Slovenia Green Destination label. This progress confirms that the city is systematically developing sustainable tourism, with a clear focus on protecting natural resources, preserving cultural heritage and actively involving the tourism sector in sustainable practices.
According to the assessors, progress is evident on several levels, from strategic frameworks and improved environmental performance to numerous initiatives aimed at the tourism sector. In the reassessment, Ptuj achieved an overall score of 7.6 out of 10.
The highest score was awarded in the category of Culture and Tradition, with an impressive 9.0 out of 10.
The destination uses various mechanisms to protect and preserve its living heritage, including the traditional rounds of the Kurenti, which are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This living heritage is also safeguarded and brought to life through the annual Kurentovanje carnival and the unique tourism experience Awaken Your Inner Kurent!
High scores were also achieved in the categories of Nature and Landscape, Social Climate and Destination Management, reflecting the destination’s balanced and high-quality sustainable development and effective tourism management.
HIGHLIGHTED EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE
Among the many initiatives implemented in the destination of Ptuj, the assessors highlighted the following as examples of good sustainable practices:
- The Awaken Your Inner Kurent! experience, which introduces visitors to the Kurentovanje tradition, the making of flowers from crepe paper, local carnival cuisine and contemporary approaches to presenting the Kurentovanje carnival.
- Numerous regular meetings in smaller groups with accommodation providers, restaurateurs and tourist guides.
- Effective communication of tourism statistics, key events and important news and developments.
- A special code of conduct for children, distributed to schools when they book a guided tour of the destination. From an early age, the code encourages young visitors to explore Ptuj safely, respectfully and sustainably.
PTUJ’S FUTURE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
“We have every reason to be proud of this achievement. Ptuj has advanced from the Bronze to the Silver Slovenia Green Destination label, which means that we have made significant progress over the past three years. I am particularly pleased that our highest score – as many as 9 out of 10 points – was achieved in the field of Culture and Tradition. This proves that we know how not only to preserve our rich heritage but also to successfully incorporate it into our tourism offer.
The Silver label did not come about on its own. It is the result of a great deal of work, cooperation and concrete initiatives undertaken by numerous individuals, public institutions and tourism providers. I sincerely congratulate and thank everyone who has contributed to this success. Ptuj has exceptional tourism potential, which we aim to further develop by creating high-quality and unique tourism experiences rooted in our rich history, culture and traditions. The Silver label recognises the work we have done so far while also encouraging us to set even more ambitious goals for the future,” emphasises Nuška Gajšek, Mayor of the Ptuj City Municipality.
THE SLOVENIA GREEN SCHEME OF SLOVENIAN TOURISM
The Slovenia Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is a national certification programme managed by the Slovenian Tourist Board. Under the Slovenia Green brand, it brings together initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable development of tourism in Slovenia. The scheme provides destinations and tourism businesses with practical tools to assess and improve their sustainability performance.
The Slovenia Green standard follows the criteria of the international Green Destinations foundation, which are also recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the organisation responsible for managing global standards for sustainable tourism.
Destinations are assessed across six categories:
- Destination Management
- Nature and Landscape
- Environment and Climate
- Culture and Tradition
- Social Climate
- Tourism Business Operations and Communication
