Krka becomes world’s second national park to earn prestigious title

Krka National Park

Croatia’s Krka National Park has been awarded the world-renowned Green Destinations Award.

Krka National Park has made history as the first tourist destination in Croatia, and the second national park in the world, to receive the coveted gold award, which is given to tourist destinations that are committed to sustainable tourism management, since it was established.

The award was granted by Green Destinations, an international organisation that sets standards for sustainable tourism and recognises destinations that prioritise nature conservation, cultural heritage protection, and the well-being of local communities.

Krka National Park’s sustainable development is based on preserving natural values, protecting cultural heritage, managing visitor experiences, education, and cooperation with the local community.

These key elements are part of the park’s strategic and development plans, integrated into its annual work programmes. The park’s dedicated staff work tirelessly to apply sustainability principles in order to preserve this protected area for future generations. This commitment has been acknowledged through the rigorous certification process, which includes meeting nearly 100 strict criteria.

Krka National Park (Lucian Potlog/Pexels)

“We are proud to have met the stringent criteria for sustainable tourism management and to have successfully completed the challenging Green Destinations certification process,” said Nella Slavica, Director of Krka National Park.

“This involved extensive data collection and organisation, proving that Krka has long been implementing sustainability into its management vision and practices.

We are the first and currently the only destination in Croatia to hold the Gold Green Destinations Award, showcasing Krka National Park as a leading example of responsible and sustainable tourism management. We are also committed partners in working with local stakeholders to achieve common sustainability goals, a key aspect emphasised during the certification process.”

(Photo: Krka National Park)

The gold award signifies that Krka National Park is exceptionally dedicated to sustainable management, nature and cultural protection, and achieving high standards in sustainable tourism.

For local residents, this may bring an increase in visitors who value nature and cultural heritage, as well as improved tourism management, benefiting the community by preserving resources and creating jobs. For the destination, the award can attract visitors seeking more sustainable options, who appreciate places that protect nature, culture, and local people.

Krka National Park

Green Destinations is a global non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands, focused on promoting sustainable development in tourist destinations and enhancing their global visibility.

Advocating for sustainable and responsible tourism, in line with United Nations principles and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s goals, Green Destinations enjoys a strong reputation among tourists and key players in the tourism sector.

Additionally, the recognition brings increased visibility in the global tourism market through representation at trade fairs and inclusion in international travel guides.