Kranj receives European Destination of Excellence 2023 Award
After yesterday's final presentations in Brussels, the European Commission has named Kranj as the European Destination of Excellence 2023. Kranj secured this title in the field of sustainable tourism.
Among 20 destinations competing for the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) award, three finalists were shortlisted: Kranj, Grevena (Greece), and Larnaka (Cyprus). The organizer invited all three finalists to present their candidacies before the European jury in Brussels. Kranj impressed the jury not only with its achievements in sustainable tourism but also with a concrete program of activities planned by the Tourism and Culture Board Kranj and the City of Kranj for the year 2023. The city's sustainable efforts also set an example for other destinations.
"The victory is the result of excellent teamwork between the City of Kranj, the Tourism and Culture Board Kranj, and other stakeholders involved in sustainable development, as well as the support of the city's residents. Projects such as the Golden Sign of Slovenian Tourism, the award for the most e-mobility-friendly city in Slovenia, the green culinary event Kranj Long table, and the SOS Proteus Information Center have convinced the European Commission. We are delighted that they recognized our sustainable efforts. This is an excellent achievement for Kranj, and we are thrilled," said Mayor Matjaž Rakovec, praising Deputy Mayor Janez Černe for his excellent presentation before the jury in Brussels.
As the winning destination, Kranj will be showcased as a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Europe, committed to the goals of the European Green Deal. In addition to year-round promotion, Kranj will receive expert support in promoting its destination brand, sustainable efforts, and events in 2023. As a European Destination of Excellence, Kranj will also participate in shaping sustainable tourism guidelines for the future, both within the European tourism industry and on the international stage.
"The title EDEN 2023 is a great opportunity for Kranj to increase tourism visits. It also puts Kranj on the tourism map both in Slovenia and abroad. This is also an incentive for further development of sustainable tourism products," said Klemen Malovrh, director of Tourism and Culture Board Kranj.
European Destinations of Excellence is an initiative of the European Union implemented by the European Commission. The main purpose is to recognize and reward smaller destinations for their successful green transition practices and strategies to promote sustainable tourism. The central theme of the EDEN project is to encourage sustainable tourism development in destinations, as such practices bring added value to the economy, the planet, and people.