In a recent podcast episode, I interviewed Green Destinations Top 100 Partnership Program Coordinator, Louise de Hemmer, on the topic of recognising and awarding the world’s sustainable destinations.
The Green Destinations Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on sustainable destination development and recognition. Founded in 2014, they are one of three sustainable tourism certification bodies accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) with an aim to support global destinations through their journey towards sustainability.
The top 100 competition was created to give destinations a higher level of exposure and recognition for their good practices in the areas of social and environmental impact.
In the interview, Louise speaks with me about the destination certification process and the Top 100 submissions process, and shares some of the award-winning destinations recognised for their efforts. The awards cover a range of categories including localising the destination supply chain, decarbonising the destination supply chain, environment and culture, nature and ecotourism, and more.
Participants are invited to apply to the competition and are required to self-report on core sustainability criteria of the Green Destinations Standard. Criteria include but are not limited to responding to tourism impacts on nature, solid waste reduction, reducing transport emissions and energy consumption, tangible cultural heritage and community involvement in planning.
Once deemed eligible for an award, participants are asked to submit a Good Practice Story to be used for promotion. The below video highlights some of the incredible stories of the 2021 Green Destinations Top 100.
According to Louise, “Green Destinations challenges destinations willing to progress towards a sustainable tourism practice, encouraging them to share their innovative and effective good practice stories, serving as a role model and inspiration for other destinations, tour operators and travellers.”
Listen to the full interview below.