MeetDenmark locations become certified Green Tourism Organisations

VisitAarhus, VisitAalborg and Inspiring Denmark have become certified Green Tourism Organisations (GTO), it has been announced. The destinations are all members of MeetDenmark, the Danish national association for business tourism development. Since Wonderful Copenhagen received the certification in 2019, the four members have been working to help each other achieve a GTO certification.   Birgitte Hee Olesen, chairman of MeetDenmark, said: “For MeetDenmark it has been a common goal and an important part of our new strategy to ensure that sustainability is at the top of the agenda across the country’s tourism organisations. Representing the four largest tourism destinations in Denmark, we believe that the only right place to start is with ourselves. Our hope is  to inspire others to follow – both in Denmark and abroad.” The GTO certification was established by HORESTA, the Danish the industry association for hotels, restaurants and tourism, with the NGO Danish Outdoor Council to “support and acknowledge tourism destinations and organisations that make an extra effort within sustainability”. HORESTA was also part of creating the Green Key certificate which is now used in 55 countries and 2,900 tourism organisations. To become certified, an organisation must be assessed on different criteria including management, environmental considerations, the organisations use of utilities and in relation to the organisation’s efforts to bring attention to sustainable tourism.