In 2020, Green Destinations, in collaboration with Estonian partners, has successfully implemented a transformative project aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism practices across multiple destinations in Estonia. By focusing on capacity building, destination assessment, and the promotion of best practices, the initiative has helped shape Estonia’s reputation as a leader in responsible tourism.
From the outset, the project was designed to support Estonian destinations in aligning with internationally recognized sustainability standards. This was achieved through targeted training programs, in-depth assessments based on the Green Destinations criteria, and the strategic promotion of Estonia’s sustainability achievements on global platforms. The commitment and collaboration of local stakeholders played a key role in ensuring that sustainability principles were not only understood but actively implemented within their destinations.
One of the most notable outcomes of the project has been the recognition of Estonian destinations for their sustainability efforts. In the first two years, seven destinations successfully earned awards for their commitment to sustainable tourism. Thanks to continuous support and guidance, several of these destinations have since improved their award levels, demonstrating the long-term impact of the program:
- Hiiumaa Island: Silver (2021) → Gold (2023)
- Järvamaa County: Silver (maintained)
- Lahemaa National Park: Gold (2021)→ Platinum (2023)
- Pärnu Town: Bronze (2021) → Silver (2023)
- Rakvere Town: Bronze (2021) → Silver (2023)
- Saaremaa: Silver (2021) → Gold (2023)
- Tartu Town: Silver (2021) → Platinum (2023)
Key Project Elements:
✅Country Baseline Assessment
✅Destination Certification
✅Training & Capacity Building
Discover all our Support Services here >
Program Partners:
Supported by:
The European Regional Development Fund
Note: This project was solely implemented by the Green Destinations Foundation.
