Ljubljana among the finalists for the title European City of the Year

In mid-November, in London, the 2018 urban prizes were awarded by the Academy of Urbanism, an autonomous, politically independent organisation that promotes outstanding places. The City of Ljubljana is proud that over 500 experts, from different fields, recognised the potential of Ljubljana on their own initiative and ranked the city as one of the three finalists in the European City of the Year category. They highlighted Ljubljana's green environment, to which the City puts a lot attention, as well as the green, environmentally-friendly vision for the development of the city, which nicely complements its natural features. In the final, Ljubljana was considered alongside Vienna and the winner, Bilbao. Ljubljana congratulates Bilbao on this award.

New award for responsible tourism in Ljubljana

Tourism Ljubljana received the prestigious WTM Responsible Tourism Award, in London, in the category of best communication in responsible tourism. The award further strengthens the position of Ljubljana at the top of Sustainable Destinations. The expert jury was convinced by the sustainable orientation of Ljubljana development and expressed their enthusiasm over the results achieved by Ljubljana in the short term. The commission received over 500 applications, from which 12 finalists were chosen, with only three from Europe, including Ljubljana.

The proud team of the City of Ljubljana and Tourism Ljubljana, with the Deputy Mayor, Tjaša Ficko and Tourism Ljubljana Director, Petro Stušek M.Sc.
Source: Nino Verdnik, STO

The Order of Friendship for Mayor Zoran Janković

In Moscow, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, awarded the Order of Friendship to Mayor Zoran Janković for his contribution to strengthening Slovenian-Russian relations and preserving the memory of fallen Russian and Soviet soldiers on Slovenian territory during the First and Second World Wars.

  

Source: Office of the President of the Russian Federation.

Source: Nik Rovan

"I am honored to receive this recognition", Mayor Zoran Janković said in his acceptance speech, adding that he is proud that the only monument dedicated to the Russians and the Soviets who fell during the First World War was set up in Ljubljana. He also highlighted the good relations between the twin cities of Ljubljana and Moscow, and invited President Putin to return to Ljubljana and Slovenia.

Recognition for the remarkable contribution to the development of tourism

The high recognition that the Mayor received in Moscow was not the only confirmation of his recent work. He was also awarded by the Slovenian Tourist Board during this year's Slovenian Tourism Days, with the highest recognition for his outstanding contribution to the development of Slovenian tourism. In addition, he was highlighted for his efficient, successful and penetrating destination management and great influence on the sustainable development of tourism throughout Slovenia, not just in Ljubljana.

 

"Zoran Janković has created a good example of the revival of the capital's old city. With his charisma, perseverance and insight, he connects the local population with the city, tourists and the economy. The optimism, clarity of decisions, development orientation and ideology of Mr. Zoran Janković are remarkable." These are just a few reasons why the mayor has earned this high recognition.