Days of Slovenian Tourism promoting plastic-free tourism
According to the head of the chamber, Andrej Prebil, Slovenian tourism has been transforming in the last few years. Its focus must be on staff training, improving of products and services, and sustainable development, he said.
In this context, the Tourism and Hospitality Chamber introduced a code on reducing the use of disposable plastic products in the hospitality sector.
The document was signed at today's 66th annual Catering and Tourism Assembly by Environment Minister Simon Zajc and acting director of the Tourism Chamber Fedja Pobegajlo.
Bars and restaurants joining the campaign will commit to not offering plastic straws, plates, cups and plastic cutlery to their guests, Zajc said.
The Environment Ministry recently signed a similar agreement with the Chamber of Commerce.
The signatories of the code signed today will give up disposable plastic voluntarily as of next year, while in 2021 it will be banned at the EU level anyway.
"This is another step Slovenia is making to drastically reduce the amount of waste and to replace disposable plastic products with recyclable or sustainable products," the minister added.
The Days of Slovenian Tourism will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with a plenary session featuring top tourism officials. They will discuss the challenges ahead and the measures necessary to raise the added value of tourist services. Prime Minister Marjan Ĺ arec will address the event.
In the evening, top national prizes in the branch will be conferred.
On Wednesday, the 22th Tourism Forum will be held to discuss the transformation of the sector through the eyes of consumers and service providers.
After the launch of the new issue of the Gault&Millau Slovenija 2020 restaurant guide, awards will be conferred to top performers in gastronomy.