20 June 2025
In 2025, the destination of Laško underwent a reassessment to renew the Slovenia Green Destination label, awarded by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) as part of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST). Based on the evaluation, the destination once again received the highest sustainability title – Slovenia Green Destination Platinum, thereby reaffirming its strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism management.
Laško – From Commitment to Excellence
The destination of Laško joined the Green Scheme back in 2015 by signing the Green Policy of Slovenian Tourism and obtained the Slovenia Green Bronze label. Following a reassessment in 2019, Laško was awarded the Slovenia Green Gold label, confirming significant progress in the field of sustainable development. In 2022, the destination received the highest possible recognition for the first time – the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label. This year’s reassessment successfully confirmed that Laško continues to meet the high standards of sustainable tourism development.
Activities related to the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism are coordinated and led by STIK Laško, which is responsible for the development, monitoring, and upgrading of sustainability initiatives within the destination. To support a systematic approach, a Green Team has also been established within the destination, consisting of representatives of the Municipality of Laško, Komunala Laško, and STIK Laško. Once again, the label was awarded by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) in cooperation with the accredited verifier, the Institute for Sustainable Tourism Factory GoodPlace.
Assessment in Six Categories
The destination was assessed in six key categories: Destination Management (DM), Nature and Landscape, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Social Climate, and Tourism Business Operations & Communication (TBO). Each category was rated on a scale from 1 to 10. The colour of the awarded label is based on the average score, reflecting the destination’s overall sustainability orientation.
The certification process includes a review of all data entered into the online platform by the accredited verifier, the Institute for Sustainable Tourism Factory GoodPlace. In addition to the online review, an on-site visit was conducted on 12 June 2025. When preparing the final recommendations, the verifier took into account both the data from the platform and direct observations in the field, ensuring an objective and professional evaluation and further reinforcing the credibility of the assessment process.
Thanks to All Who Co-Create the Green Story
The achievement of the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label would not have been possible without the dedicated cooperation of numerous individuals, organizations, tourism providers, the municipality, and the local community.
Special thanks go to:
- The Municipality of Laško, whose support and strategic leadership play a key role in steering the destination along a green path;
- Pivovarna Laško Union, whose financial support through the Plus for Laško initiative enabled numerous sustainability projects, strengthening the foundations for retaining the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label;
- Accommodation providers, both those already committed to sustainable development and those just beginning this journey – Thermana Laško, Rimske Terme, Aqua Roma, Hotel Špica, and many others who enrich our green story through responsible operations;
- Providers within the collective brand “Taste Laško”, which includes local produce, handicrafts, and authentic experiences, thereby enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening local identity;
- All hospitality providers who incorporate local ingredients into their menus, respect seasonality, and follow sustainability guidelines;
- Event organizers, associations of the Možnar Union, public institutions, and groups that preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community spirit through their events;
- Komunala Laško, for efficient, professional, and sustainable management of natural resources and support for green practices in everyday life;
- All those just embarking on the path of sustainable action, who already contribute significantly to a greener future with their first steps.
A sincere thank you to everyone who, through their work, approach, and vision, contributes to the sustainable development of tourism in Laško. Together, we demonstrate that it is possible to build tourism that respects nature, culture, people, and the future.
About the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is a comprehensive national program and certification scheme that brings together all efforts for the sustainable development of Slovenian tourism under the umbrella brand Slovenia Green. It offers destinations and tourism providers concrete tools to assess, improve, and promote sustainable practices. The scheme is based on the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) and the international GSTC certification framework, enabling comparison with green destinations worldwide. The Green Scheme is open to destinations, accommodation providers, natural parks, travel agencies, attractions, restaurants, and beaches.