Destinations’ forward-looking approaches take centre stage:

At ITB Berlin the Green Destinations Story Awards Berlin honour initiatives around the world that set an example

April 11., 2023

With the so-called Green Destinations Story Awards its initiators honour inspiring examples of sustainable tourism development set by destinations around the world. ITB Berlin is one of the partners together with the Good Travel Guide, travindy and The Blue Yonder, and is represented by the trade show’s sustainability officer Rika Jean-Francois. The jury honours entries in a total of six categories. This year, on day one of ITB Berlin, the prizes were presented at an awards ceremony on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1.

First prize in the Governance, Reset & Recovery category went to Normandy in France, which together with local tourism authorities is working on a CSR approach that sets an example. In the Nature & Scenery category the winner was the Azraq Wetland Reserve in Jordan, for reclaiming the eponymous Azraq Oasis and its socio-economic development work. In the Environment & Climate category the Caribbean island of Barbados impressed the jury most. The nation is on the way to becoming the first carbon-neutral island of its size.

In the Culture & Tradition category Ozu in Japan led the entries, scoring points with the conservation and restoration of its castle town. In the Thriving Communities category the winner was Huay Pu Keng in Thailand. In this village where the Karenni people live the focus is on community-based tourism. In the Business & Marketing category the Royal Djurgården emerged as the winner. It combines Sweden’s cultural heritage with a modern approach to sustainable tourism.

In addition to the six main categories the initiators also presented two Special Awards. The ITB Earth Award honours leading roles taken in confronting climate change and environmental destruction and supporting sustainable tourism efforts. It went to Loch Ness and Inverness in Scotland. The winner was picked by Rika Jean-Francois. In addition, a People’s Choice Award was also presented. This went to Sagay City in the Philippines for its mangrove conservation project, which has been made possible by a community-based eco-tourism approach.

Additional information on the Green Destinations Story Awards and the second and third-placed entries in the six main categories can be found here.