Case Study:How Ljubljana Tourism is Leading the Way in Sustainable Event Management
Date of Event: November 27, 2024
Location: Kazina, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Organiser: Ljubljana Tourism
Certification: Planet Positive Event Rating | Final Mark: 2.91 (Certified)
As cities around the world strive to host greener, more responsible events, Ljubljana Tourism has emerged as a true example of good practice. Their 2024 Letno srečanje partnerjev Turizma Ljubljana (Ljubljana Tourism Partners’ Meeting) demonstrates how events can be both impactful and environmentally conscious — while actively engaging the local community.
A Thoughtfully Designed Green Event
Organized under the Planet Positive Event certification system, the event successfully met rigorous international standards. It achieved an impressive carbon footprint of just 9.8 kg CO₂e per participant, earning it an A-grade for emissions performance.
Key sustainability measures included:
- No single-use plastics – all catering materials were reusable.
- 100% local suppliers – directly supporting Ljubljana’s economy.
- Food waste reduction – meals were ordered precisely based on registrations.
- Public and active mobility – attendees were encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport.
- Sustainability-focused communication – including educational content and a keynote by tourism innovation expert Signe Jungersted.
Social and Regenerative Commitments
What set this event apart wasn’t just carbon savings — it was its focus on people and partnerships:
- Free attendance for all stakeholders, including students and the unemployed.
- Balanced gender representation in speakers and organisers.
- Engagement of local citizens in tourism discussions and co-creation.
- Workshops on sustainable development and regenerative tourism strategies.
The event also highlighted Ljubljana’s strategic efforts to become a leading city in sustainable urban tourism by 2027, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A Lasting Legacy
More than just a one-day gathering, the event left a long-term mark:
- It reinforced Ljubljana’s position as a green tourism capital.
- Sparked new collaborations and stakeholder engagement.
- Served as a real-world benchmark of how to organize regenerative, inclusive, low-impact events.
Why This Matters
This event exemplifies how sustainability can be embedded into every level of event planning — from venue selection and catering, to mobility, communication, and legacy. It’s a model other destinations can learn from, and one we’re proud to feature as a case study for positive change in the events industry.
