Around the world, destinations are raising the bar for more responsible, future-proof tourism. In this article, we are proud to spotlight the newly awarded Platinum destinations recognised through the Green Destinations Awards Program, alongside outstanding destinations certified through our White Label partners, including the Good Travel Seal destinations in Thailand and the South Tyrol Sustainability Label destinations in Italy.
Together, these destinations demonstrate that sustainability is a long-term commitment to protecting place, strengthening communities, and creating better tourism for residents and visitors alike.
🏆 Platinum
Caen la mer, France
Combining the vibrant atmosphere of Caen with a remarkable historical heritage, preserved natural spaces, and a coastline stretching from Ouistreham Riva-Bella to Lion-sur-Mer, Caen la Mer stands out as a destination of contrasts and authenticity. Easily accessible by train from Paris, the area promotes a slow and responsible way of travelling, allowing visitors to move from the city to the seaside by bike or public transport while discovering local products, short supply chains, and sustainable initiatives. Strongly committed to ecological transition, the destination works closely with local stakeholders to encourage more resilient, supportive, and environmentally conscious tourism experiences.
Matosinhos, Portugal
Renowned for its gastronomy, contemporary architecture, and vast Atlantic coastline, Matosinhos is a destination where maritime traditions meet modern creativity. Famous for its fresh seafood, local meat specialities, lively festivals, and welcoming atmosphere, the city attracts visitors seeking both authentic flavours and vibrant cultural experiences. Beyond its renowned culinary scene, Matosinhos offers historical heritage, pilgrimages, seaside activities, and dynamic public spaces that reflect a strong connection between community life and the ocean. Committed to sustainable and balanced development, the municipality places quality of life, heritage preservation, and citizen participation at the heart of its long-term vision for the territory.
Noordwijk, Netherlands
Combining a vibrant seaside atmosphere with outstanding natural landscapes, Noordwijk is one of the Netherlands’ leading coastal destinations for leisure, wellness, and conferences. Surrounded by the dunes of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen and the colourful flower fields of the Bollenstreek, the town offers 13 kilometres of sandy beaches facing the North Sea, alongside a rich cultural identity and an active outdoor lifestyle. Recognised as a “heilzame badplaats” by the European Spa Association, Noordwijk places health, vitality, and well-being at the heart of its tourism vision.
🇹🇭 Thailand Good Travel Seal
Takua Pa Old Town, Thailand
Located in southern Thailand, Takua Pa Old Town is a historic settlement shaped by centuries of maritime trade and the rise of the tin-mining industry. Once a prosperous port town attracting Chinese, Malay, and Western migrants, it evolved into a multicultural community whose heritage remains visible today in its Sino-Portuguese architecture, traditional shophouses, temples, and shrines, reflecting a unique blend of cultural influences.
Now recognised as a living heritage destination, Takua Pa Old Town preserves its architectural and cultural legacy while reimagining itself as a learning and creative tourism hub. Its vision focuses on enhancing the quality of life, promoting environmentally responsible urban development, and safeguarding its multicultural identity. By combining heritage conservation, community well-being, and sustainable tourism development, the town aims to transform its historical identity into a long-term, inclusive, and resilient cultural destination.
Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand
Located in northern Thailand, the Doi Phu Kha National Park lies along a mountain range that extends from Luang Prabang and forms part of the southernmost edge of the Himalayas. This high-altitude landscape serves as a transition zone between tropical and temperate forests, supporting exceptionally rich biodiversity, including rare, endemic, and newly discovered species, such as the emblematic “Pink Dok Phu Kha” (Bretschneidera sinensis).
The park is also known for its dramatic scenery—mist-covered peaks, seasonal wild cherry blossoms, waterfalls, and dense forests—offering both ecological richness and immersive nature experiences. Recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Doi Phu Kha promotes conservation of fragile ecosystems, scientific research, and community involvement, while ensuring tourism supports local livelihoods and environmental education. In 2025, it received national recognition for tourism excellence and sustainability, reinforcing its role as a model destination where nature protection, learning, and responsible visitation go hand in hand.
🇮🇹 South Tyrol Sustainability Label
Eppan, Italy
Located along the South Tyrolean Wine Route in northern Italy, Appiano sulla Strada del Vino (Eppan) is a destination shaped by vineyards, Mediterranean vegetation, and an exceptional concentration of castles and historic estates—more than 300 in the surrounding area. Set just a few kilometres from Bolzano, it combines scenic hillside landscapes with a strong wine-growing tradition, making it the largest wine-producing municipality in South Tyrol.
The territory comprises several villages, each contributing to its cultural and gastronomic diversity, while natural highlights such as the Montiggl lakes enrich its landscape offerings. Tourism development in Eppan is guided by a clear commitment to sustainability, focusing on the protection of cultural landscapes, responsible resource use, and support for local producers. The destination prioritises quality over quantity, aiming to preserve its identity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a balanced, long-term relationship between tourism, community life, and nature.
Gitschberg-Jochtal, Italy
Located in the Alpine heart of northern Italy, the Gitschberg Jochtal region combines two interconnected mountain areas—Gitschberg in Meransen and Jochtal in Vals—linked by a modern lift system. Known for its ski slopes, panoramic hiking trails, and over 30 traditional mountain huts, the destination offers a year-round mix of outdoor activities, from winter sports to summer alpine exploration, framed by sweeping views of more than 500 peaks.
Family-friendly experiences, local traditions, and South Tyrolean cuisine shape the cultural identity of the area, making it both welcoming and authentic. At the same time, Gitschberg Jochtal is strongly committed to sustainable tourism, focusing on protecting its alpine environment, supporting regional economies, and preserving cultural heritage. Through responsible development and resource-conscious infrastructure, the destination aims to balance tourism growth with long-term environmental and social well-being.
Kaltern am See, Italy
Located along the South Tyrolean Wine Route in northern Italy, Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino (Kaltern) is widely known as the “wine village” of South Tyrol, where Mediterranean warmth meets Alpine landscapes. At its heart lies the Lake Caldaro, the warmest bathing lake in the Alps, surrounded by vineyards that produce the local Vernatsch grape and the region’s signature light red wine.
Life in Kaltern is closely tied to nature, seasons, and traditional viticulture, shaping a strong identity built around wine culture, outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and a vibrant local community. Sustainability is not a slogan but part of everyday life: the destination emphasises small-scale agriculture, cooperative structures, and responsible tourism practices that protect the landscape and strengthen local livelihoods. By linking wine, lake, and living culture, Kaltern aims to preserve its identity while developing tourism in harmony with its environment and future generations.
Schenna, Italy
Perched on a sunny terrace above Merano in northern Italy, Scena (Schenna) stretches from the valley floor up to the peaks of the Hirzer hiking area. Its location blends Alpine scenery with a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a natural gateway for hiking across different altitudes and seasons.
The village is visually defined by landmarks such as Castello di Scena and the Mausoleum of Archduke Johann, which shape its distinctive skyline and historical identity. Looking ahead, Schenna’s vision focuses on becoming a place of well-being for both residents and visitors by 2035, rooted in respect for nature and tradition. Sustainability here is understood as careful resource management, social balance, and long-term economic resilience, ensuring that the landscape and quality of life are preserved for future generations.
Odles Dolomites, Italy
In the heart of the Dolomites in northern Italy, the Villnöss and Lüsen Dolomite valleys combine dramatic mountain peaks with gentle alpine landscapes, from the Lüsner Alm to the striking Geisler peaks. The region is shaped by meadows, forests, and traditional farmed landscapes that change with the seasons, offering a peaceful and unspoilt mountain environment.
Odles Dolomites, recognised as South Tyrol’s first Slow Food Travel destination, and Lüsen are strongly rooted in rural culture, local food traditions, and community-based tourism. The area promotes slow, nature-oriented experiences supported by local producers, artisans, and hospitality providers who work closely together. Sustainability is embedded in daily life through responsible resource use, protection of natural areas, and ethical cooperation between residents, partners, and visitors, ensuring that tourism remains in balance with both nature and traditional alpine culture.
A global collection of meaningful progress
These recognised destinations are part of a growing global movement proving that tourism can be a force for positive change. From local community initiatives to ambitious climate action and destination stewardship, each award and certification reflects meaningful progress toward a more sustainable visitor economy.
Explore the full collection of recognised destinations around the world through the Green Destinations Collection Map and discover the places leading the way in responsible tourism:
