Tartu earned high recognition as a Platinum Level Green Tourist Destination.
This year, Green Destinations – the international organisation developing sustainable tourism – evaluated the Estonian destinations that are part of the network and recognised Tartu with a Platinum Level rating. In 2021, Tartu was recognised as a Silver Level Green Destination.
According to the Mayor of Tartu, Urmas Klaas, this is recognition for all Tartu residents and entrepreneurs who have made considerable efforts to create an inviting, friendly, environmentally conscious and sustainable city. ‘International recognition confirms that we are moving in the right direction in terms of meeting our climate goals, and that we will continue working to be a leader in green innovation, both in tourism and in other areas,’ said Klaas.
Platinum Level recognition proves that Tartu has taken the right steps to meet its set climate goals, and this is helping the city to secure its position among the world’s best green destinations. Green Destinations offers valuable support in planning sustainable development and expands the city’s marketing opportunities.
According to Annika Ojasaar, Head of Tourism for Tartu, the Tartu energy and climate plan brought Platinum Level recognition to the city, and continuous work is being done to achieve its goals. ‘Preparation of the audit has given us, as a destination, a very good overview of the current state of the city’s sustainable development, and is helping us to think through the next set of required steps to deal with the development of sustainable tourism in a more systematic way,’ said Ojasaar.
The international organisation Green Destinations is a leader in the field of sustainable tourism, whose international environmental auditors individually evaluate the activities and efforts of destinations. The rating for the destinations as a whole is divided into five levels, starting from the lowest at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, and with the highest being the certified Green Destination Level.
In 2021, Tartu reached the Silver Level; however, the audit was thoroughly improved this year and the Platinum Level was achieved in the assessment. The achievement emphasises the commitment by Tartu to the environment, culture and social values, and highlights the city as an inspiring and global green destination.
The Estonian cities of Pärnu and Rakvere, which are also a part of the Green Destinations network, rose from last year’s Bronze Level to the Silver Level. Järvamaa remained at the Silver Level. Hiiumaa and Saaremaa rose from the Silver Level to the Gold Level, and Lahemaa from the Gold Level to the Platinum Level.