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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
  • News article
  • 9 November 2022
  • Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
  • 1 min read

Kranj selected as the 2023 European Destination of Excellence

The European Commission has announced the 2023 European Destination of Excellence for their pioneering work as a sustainable tourism destination.

Kranj (Slovenia) has been selected as the winner of the 2023 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) competition, following a European Jury meeting in Brussels on 9 November 2022. 

In total, 20 destinations competed, out of which 3 shortlisted destinations were invited to present their candidatures in front of the European jury. Kranj impressed the European jury not only with their remarkable achievements in sustainable tourism but also with the exciting programme of activities they intend to implement during 2023. They also stood out for their capacity to act as a role model for other destinations.

The European Destinations of Excellence is an EU initiative, implemented by the European Commission. Its aims to recognise and reward smaller destinations with successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices. The principle of promoting sustainable tourism development in destinations is the foundation of the competition as it brings value to the economy, the planet and people. 

Kranj will be positioned as a tourism sustainability pioneer committed to the objectives of the European Green Deal and transition pathway, as laid out by the European Commission. Beyond this, the winner of the European Destinations of Excellence will be promoted as a role model for sustainable tourism practices in Europe and benefit from event support throughout the year, geared towards promoting Kranj and their best practices in sustainable tourism. The European Destinations of Excellence will be given a prominent role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism for the future of the European tourism industry and actively participate in making a big impact on an international stage.