SLOVAKIA TRAVEL has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Located in Central Europe, Slovakia is known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. With mountain ranges such as the High Tatras and extensive cave systems, including UNESCO-listed sites like the Slovak Karst, the country offers a mix of natural and historical attractions. From medieval castles to traditional villages, Slovakia reflects a blend of scenic beauty and cultural traditions.
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the official national tourism organization responsible for promoting Slovakia as a travel destination. Its role is to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and tourism offerings to both domestic and international audiences.
Sustainability in Slovakia
Slovakia is home to diverse landscapes, blends ancient forests, pristine wilderness, and rich cultural heritage. With nine national parks and over 14,000 km of well-marked hiking trails, it offers both accessibility and protection for fragile ecosystems. The country is also home to Europe’s largest contiguous virgin beech forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Slovakia’s diverse landscapes include mineral and thermal springs—over 1,600 documented—that have supported sustainable wellness tourism for centuries.
Slovakia’s natural beauty is further enriched by its three geoparks—Banská Bystrica, Banská Štiavnica, and Novohrad-Nógrád—which preserve geological heritage while fostering education and research. These landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity and rich mineral deposits, also hold cultural and historical significance. The country’s commitment to conservation extends to nature-based tourism, where well-maintained trails, protected forests, and thriving folk traditions provide travelers with meaningful, sustainable experiences.
Ekotopfilm / Envirofilm is a festival dedicated to sustainable development films. Held annually in October in Bratislava, it also tours Slovakia’s regional capitals, showcasing top selections. Beyond screenings, it offers interactive forums, city-center events with artists, and «Juniorfestival,» which educates young audiences on global sustainability trends.
In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, the Spring Vegan Feast showcases sustainable and plant-based living. Held in the Old Market Hall, it features a variety of restaurants, shops, and producers offering vegan cuisine, and cruelty-free cosmetics.
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL provides a convenient way to explore the country through its online publications. Each one serves as an introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and contemporary attractions.
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL emphasizes that sustainable tourism development is essential for the long-term prosperity of destinations, the protection of natural and cultural heritage, and ensuring a positive impact on local communities. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL states that joining as a member of the GSTC is a declaration of a commitment to actively support the implementation of sustainable principles while gaining access to proven international best practices and expert know-how. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL’s plan is to create and implement a national program that enables sustainable tourism practices that will reflect global standards while considering the specific conditions of the country. The ambition is to systematically encourage tourism stakeholders in adopting sustainable solutions.
“Our vision is for Slovakia to be perceived as an authentic destination that combines traditional values with innovations in tourism. We believe that cooperation with GSTC will enable us to implement concrete solutions more effectively and strengthen our competence in supporting sustainable development in Slovakia,” said Ivana Vala Magátová, SLOVAKIA TRAVEL CEO.
GSTC Welcomes SLOVAKIA TRAVEL
“We extend a warm welcome to SLOVAKIA TRAVEL as a new member of GSTC and value their commitment in supporting our mission. We wish them every success on their journey towards sustainability,” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
About SLOVAKIA TRAVEL
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the official national tourism organization responsible for promoting Slovakia as a travel destination. Its role is to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and tourism offerings to both domestic and international audiences. Through marketing initiatives, partnerships, and participation in global tourism events, Slovakia Travel aims to provide information and resources that encourage visitors to explore the country’s cities, countryside, and hospitality.
More information here: https://slovakia.travel/
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are four sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and Attraction Criteria for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do.
GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.
Photos © SLOVAKIA TRAVEL
