Sveti Ivan Zelina među 100 najboljih praksi održivog turizma

At the Green Destinations conference held in Montpellier, France, Sveti Ivan Zelina was recognised for one of the best practices in sustainable tourism. The town stood out for its Zelina Chestnut Festival and its sustainable practices as a destination, earning a place among the world’s leading examples of sustainability. By being included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list for 2025, the Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board has confirmed the efforts of the town and all stakeholders in sustainable tourism management.

Alongside its rich chestnut festival tradition, Sveti Ivan Zelina is increasingly recognised as a destination for excellent cuisine and authentic flavours. Here, the viticultural heritage of the Prigorje region meets home-grown, seasonal produce and the warm hospitality that is a hallmark of local residents. From Zelina wines and artisan cheeses to chestnut desserts and game dishes, Zelina is becoming an unmissable stop for lovers of gastronomic experiences who seek authenticity, sustainability, and a connection with nature. Every bite tells a story of the landscape, the people, and the traditions that are proudly preserved here.

“This recognition is extremely valuable and meaningful for everyone in Sveti Ivan Zelina. It confirms that we are on the right path, and it is both a motivation and a responsibility to protect our nature, cultural heritage, social wellbeing, and to think of future generations. I would like to thank all tourism professionals, visitors, tourists, and local residents for embracing, supporting, and promoting the development of the destination in a sustainable way, and for contributing to Sveti Ivan Zelina being among the best examples of sustainability,” said Marinka Zubčić Mubrin, Director of the Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board.

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories programme recognises and rewards destinations that demonstrate excellent results in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The programme is open to destinations worldwide — towns, municipalities, cities, regions, counties, or protected areas.

“Sustainability is an imperative for the development and competitiveness of tourist destinations. Although Sveti Ivan Zelina is still in the early stages of intensive tourism development and related activities, the destination has shown that it manages its affairs efficiently and that all key decisions are made in line with the principles of sustainable development,” said Dr Katarina Miličević, Director of Tourism Lab, the representative of Green Destinations in Croatia.

The well-deserved recognition of the Zelina Chestnut Festival is best celebrated right in Zelina, during the festival itself, with an authentic experience of the town’s natural beauty and the genuine hospitality of its people. Let the autumn weekend of 18–19 October 2025 be coloured by Zelina’s natural hues and the flavours of chestnuts.

The Zelina region has long been renowned for its rich chestnut forests that surround the slopes of Zelinska Gora and Medvednica. For centuries, the chestnut has been a symbol of autumn and community — a fruit that fed generations and brought families together around the warm glow of roasted nuts. Knowledge of harvesting, storing, and preparing chestnuts was passed down through generations, eventually becoming an integral part of local customs and celebrations. The Zelina Chestnut Festival, today one of the most celebrated autumn events in continental Croatia, draws its authenticity and warmth precisely from this tradition.