About Green Scheme

Preserving natural heritage and local values, such as hop farming, along with promoting sustainable and carbon-free exploration of the region, are key sustainable aspects that contribute to the environmentally friendly and experiential tourism offerings of the destination.

Green Scheme of Slovenian tourism

The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) is a tool developed at the national level and a certification programme that carries out the following tasks under the SLOVENIA GREEN umbrella brand:

  • brings together all efforts directed towards the sustainable development of tourism in Slovenia,
  • offers tools to destinations and service providers that enable them to evaluate and improve their sustainability endeavours
  • and promotes these green endeavours through the Slovenia Green brand.

Žalec was among the first to join the pilot scheme of the project and thus obtained the Slovenia Green Destination Bronze label in 2016 and entered the Slovenian family of green destinations. The label, which is valid for 3 years, was won again in 2019. In May 2022, the Žalec destination received the Slovenia Green Destination Silver label.

The municipality of Žalec is located in the heart of the Lower Savinja Valley, serving as the center of the region and the heart of hop farming and brewing in Slovenia. The landscape, covered with hop fields, offers unique experiences, such as the world's first beer fountain – the Green Gold Beer Fountain. As the hop farming and brewing capital, Žalec boasts a rich tradition and innovations in brewing, which are collected and showcased in the The Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry in Slovenia. The destination provides insight into its rich history through numerous cultural landmarks and four museums. Among its natural treasures, two stand out: the Karst cave Pekel, which fascinates visitors with its stunning underground formations and underground waterfall, and the Ribnik Vrbje Landscape Park, a sanctuary for many bird species and a popular destination for nature lovers. The extensive hop fields shape a unique landscape that offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. Preserving natural heritage and local values, such as hop farming, along with promoting sustainable and carbon-free exploration of the region, are key sustainable aspects that contribute to the environmentally friendly and experiential tourism offerings of the destination.

Vision and Goals

GREEN
• Focus on a green, environmentally friendly experience that aligns with the overall image of the tourist experience in Slovenia,
• Stimulating the development of a sustainable tourist destination through the development of sustainable infrastructure and the use of 4.0 technologies,
• Stimulating sustainable offerings with an emphasis on the local tradition and origin,
• Focus on nature-related products that have a minimal negative impact on the environment (cycling, hiking).

HOP FARMING CAPITAL
• Emphasis on the hop farming tradition of the area and its importance and recognition at the Slovenian, European, and global levels,
• Focus on hops as a product with a protected geographical indication,
• Focus on business and tourist events related to hops.

BREWING CAPITAL
• Based on the world’s first beer fountain and the first brewery in Slovenia,
• Emphasis on the diverse offerings of local brewers,
• Emphasis on local cuisine that complements the beer and hop offerings,
• Emphasis on the importance of educating and training the next generation of brewers.

Feel Green Before You Come to Slovenia and Žalec

  1. To visit one of the greenest destinations on the planet is to travel responsibly. Slovenia is the first country to be comprehensively evaluated by the standards of Green Destinations, a non-profit promoting sustainable tourism. It has launched Slovenia Green, a national programme which includes a number of green destinations, lodgings, parks and tourism agencies. These have all been rated based on their sustainability efforts and have received their national Slovenia Green Certificates. There are green adventures waiting for you at every step in this country spanning the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst region and the Pannonian Lowlands. Try to find out as much as you can about your destinations and their local traditions. Get to know Slovenia even before you arrive.
  2. Feel Slovenia Green Destinations even before your arrival. Be inspired by the locals’ love of nature and cultural heritage.
  3. Arrive by train or bus, or choose an airline dedicated to lowering its carbon footprint.
  4. Choose accommodation with the international and national Slovenia Green Certificate. An increasing number of lodgings have the national certificate as well as one of the top global sustainability certificates, such as Green Globe, Travelife and European Eco Label, to name a few.
    Accommodation providers strive for sustainability; they take responsible action in the management of waste and wastewater, and in energy consumption. Most providers are closely connected with their local communities, and hire locals who will be happy to share stories and interesting details about the destination with you.
  5. There are certified tourism agencies specialising in green hiking and the outdoor experience. If you want to travel in a green and sustainable way, tourism agencies with the national Slovenia Green Certificate will be happy to help you plan your hiking routes and outdoor adventures.

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