The FIJET Golden Apples for tourist destinations around the world were first conferred in 1970, FIJET Slovenia's General Secretary Cveta Pogačnik told the STA earlier this week.

The awards are handed out for cultural, natural and historical heritage preservation and outstanding examples of integrating sustainable development principles in tourism.

The Postojna cave was considered for the Golden Apple at the proposal of FIJET Slovenia, which pointed to the cave operator's efforts to preserve the site for future generations.

The Postojna Cave, a 20-kilometre long system of caves and shafts, is the second largest in Slovenia. Known for its scenic underground, it plays host to many events all year long, including art exhibitions, concerts and the nativity scene at Christmas.

The cave was discovered 200 years ago by a local. Nearly 40 million have visited since it first opened for the public in August 1819.