National Geographic hands out the awards in five categories: Earth Changers, Sense of Place, Conserving the Natural World, Engaging Communities, and Destination Leadership.

Slovenia had been shortlisted for Destination Leadership, along with Kenya's Segera Retreat and the Riverwind Foundation from Jackson Hole in the US.

"This definitely secures major promotion...Many experts, journalists come together at ITB Berlin and Slovenia is definitely in the centre of attention today," Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) boss Maja Pak commented.

Speaking of a major honour, Pak highlighted that the award celebrated sustainable tourism, "which is our goal".

National Geographic described Slovenia as one of the most sustainable countries in the world.

It praised its forests, biotic diversity, well protected natural and cultural heritage, the Slovenia Green certification scheme and highlighted that it became in 2016 the world's first country to be declared a green destination.