Ribno Alpine Resort at the Forefront of Zero-Waste Tourism in Bled

The municipal audits were carried out by external experts from Croatia, Germany and Estonia, who evaluated progress achieved over the past three years. Their findings confirm that waste management remains a key strategic priority for both municipalities (Bled and Gorje), while also underscoring the need for renewed momentum and strengthened measures to sustain further progress.

One of the most persistent challenges is the high volume of visitors, which inevitably increases environmental pressure. In response, both municipalities plan to intensify activities aimed at raising visitor awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour – particularly in the area of proper waste separation – while further enhancing cooperation with accommodation providers and hospitality businesses.

Within this context, Ribno Alpine Resort represents a leading example of good practice in tourism. It is the first hotel in Europe to receive a three-star Zero Waste certification and also holds the EU Ecolabel. Through its long-term commitment to waste prevention and the responsible use of natural resources, the resort has established itself as a benchmark for sustainable operations in the hospitality sector.

The effectiveness of these efforts is clearly reflected in measurable results. Between 2016 and 2024, the amount of waste generated per guest per night at Alpine Ribno Resort fell from 0.939 kg to just 0.374 kg – an impressive reduction of 60.9%. To put this into perspective, 0.374 kg roughly corresponds to the weight of a small 0.5-litre plastic bottle or a standard packet of pasta. This means that a guest produces less than half a kilogram of waste per day, an exceptionally low figure in a hotel environment that includes accommodation, dining and additional services.

By comparison, the average resident of Slovenia generates around 526 kg of municipal waste per year, according to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia – approximately 1.35 kg per person per day. In a tourism context, Alpine Ribno Resort’s figure of 0.374 kg per guest per night is therefore almost four times lower than the national daily average per resident.

Equally important is the quality of waste management. The share of separately collected waste at the resort increased from 81% in 2016 to more than 92% in 2024, significantly exceeding the Slovenian national average of approximately 72–75%. This means that the vast majority of waste generated at the resort does not end up in mixed waste streams, but is instead directed back into recycling or reuse systems.

In practical terms, this translates into less waste sent to landfill, a reduced environmental burden and a lower carbon footprint for guests.

Beyond waste management, the resort also carries out regular monitoring of electricity, water and heating consumption, alongside the systematic implementation of recycling and reuse initiatives.

The results achieved by Ribno Alpine Resort clearly demonstrate that consistent measures, precise monitoring and the active involvement of both staff and guests can deliver tangible, measurable progress towards circular and responsible tourism – proving that sustainability in hospitality is not only achievable, but highly effective.

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