International Tourism Sustainability Award for Hévíz

The southeastern Hungarian town of Hévíz has received international professional recognition for the development of a sustainable tourism destination; alongside winners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil and Taiwan, it has earned the Green Destinations bronze certification, the city’s mayor, Péter Naszádos has announced.

In his statement, the mayor noted that the Green Destinations Standard is based on a compliance assessment by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) that encompasses more than 80 criteria.

For the evaluation, destinations’ sustainability performance is assessed across six areas based on on-site inspections and documentation, with particular attention paid to the protection of natural and landscape values, environmental and climate protection, cultural heritage, social well-being, the operations and communication of tourism businesses, and tourism management.

According to the report, Hévíz achieved an overall score of 6.8 on a scale of 10. The 8.8 points earned in the nature and landscape category and the 8.3 points received in the culture and traditions category “particularly well reflect the town’s approach, which is based on its natural assets and its efforts to preserve its values,” the press release states.

During the audit, measures aimed at protecting species, habitats and ecosystems; fostering cooperation between national and local stakeholders; conducting monitoring activities; and preserving cultural heritage were specifically highlighted, while areas where further strengthening is most needed in the future were also identified.