European Commission presents award to Kranj in Berlin for European Destination of Excellence 2023

Kranj is making its debut at the world's largest international tourism trade fair, ITB Berlin, where over three days, they expect more than 10,000 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 visitors. Kranj is participating in the event at the invitation of the European Commission. On the first day, during the European Smart Cities stand, the official award ceremony for the European Destination of Excellence 2023 took place, with Mayor of the City of Kranj, Matjaž Rakovec, receiving the award from the Head of the European Commission Representation in Germany, Jörg Wojahn.

Kranj can be found at the world's largest international tourism fair in Berlin until Thursday, in the Berlin Trade Fair complex, Hall 20, Stand 303. It is presented as the European Destination of Excellence 2023 (EDEN) alongside Seville and Paphos, two current European Smart Tourism cities. For this occasion, the European Commission, which awarded Kranj the prize, also produced a promotional video about Kranj. Yesterday, it was premiered at the fair. Mayor of the City of Kranj Matjaž Rakovec, and Director of the Kranj Tourism and Culture Board Klemen Malovrh, also watched the video. The first day of the fair was marked by the award ceremony for the European Destination of Excellence 2023, presented to the Mayor by Jörg Wojahn, Head of the European Commission Representation in Germany.

"Thank you, European Commission. We are delighted that our sustainable efforts have been noticed, and we will try to motivate others as well. The award is a result of excellent cooperation and collaboration between the municipality, the Kranj Tourism and Culture Institute, and other stakeholders involved in sustainable development in the city. The support of the residents is also crucial, and I would like to thank them for that. Last year, the European Commission selected Kranj for the mission of being one of the 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, which we are very proud of. The title of European Destination of Excellence also opens new opportunities in tourism for Kranj," said Mayor Matjaž Rakovec.

"After two and a half years, international tourism events are finally taking place in person again. ITB Berlin is the largest tourism fair where colleagues from all tourism sectors and from all over the world meet. Good practices are exchanged, deals are made, and new business friendships are formed. I am glad that Kranj is also presenting at this fair. The title of European Destination of Excellence 2023 significantly contributes to the interest that business visitors at the fair show in our destination. Both the promotion at the fair and the EDEN 2023 title are great opportunities for increasing tourist visits to Kranj," said Director Klemen Malovrh.

"We took advantage of the opportunity of this major fair to present the award to a city that has taken significant steps in sustainable tourism practices. The European Commission has been awarding the EDEN prize since 2007 to places that impress with their sustainable projects. We are focused on the implementation of the European Green Deal in tourism, which is essential in all economies and communities. Kranj is this year's EDEN competition winner, sincere congratulations," said Jörg Wojahn, as he presented the award to the Mayor of MOK.

What convinced the European Commission about Kranj? Kranj implements sustainable practices in tourism, including environmental care and benefiting the local community. These activities contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in everyday life in the municipality and tourism, while also connecting local providers. In the area of sustainable mobility, City of Kranj has been implementing the E-mobility project since 2020. It involved the replacement of the municipal and public institution fleet with electric vehicles and the installation of e-charging stations. Solar power plants have also been installed in the municipality and public institutions. E-buses will be included in public transport later this year. The KRsKOLESOM bike-sharing system is the largest electrified bike-sharing system in the country, while Gorenjska bike combines bike-sharing in seven municipalities in the region. The most visited tourist attraction is the tunnels under the old Kranj. Together with Tourism and Culture Board and Tular Cave Laboratory, which has been studying the human fish for 60 years, City of Kranj opened the SOS Proteus Information Center through a public-private partnership. The main purpose of the center is to educate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the human fish and underground water sources, from which 99 percent of drinking water is sourced in Slovenia. As for green areas, Kranj has an excellent natural location. The destination, with the slogan "urban charm and Alpine chic," is surrounded by the Alps, and the rich cultural heritage of the old town can be accessed with a view of the second deepest urban canyon in Europe. In addition to the greening of the city in recent years, the residents can also look forward to the largest park in the city. In 2023, Kranj started with the highest, platinum, mark in the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. Among other things, it also includes the Green Team, which consists of more than 20 members from various local institutions. They collect data, set goals, and organize workshops with local companies and representatives of the tourism industry to reduce the carbon footprint. As part of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the destination is directed towards sustainable practices.

Promoting Kranj in Berlin opens up new opportunities for this tourist destination.