What Does Sustainable Tourism Mean in Ankaran?
Sustainable tourism is a term often used today, but it can quickly lose its meaning if it is not connected to a specific place, its people, and everyday decisions. In Ankaran—one of Slovenia’s smallest tourist destinations—sustainability is not an add-on or a trend, but a necessity. Not because it is fashionable, but because there is simply no alternative.
Ankaran covers approximately 8 km². This means that natural areas, the coastline, infrastructure, and the everyday life of residents are closely intertwined with tourism. That is why sustainability here does not mean large-scale projects or spectacular solutions, but thoughtful management, cooperation, and an awareness of spatial limitations.
Slovenia Green – what does it mean at the local level?
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (Slovenia Green) is not just a label or certification. It is a framework that helps destinations think systematically about tourism development: how to reduce negative impacts, how to involve the local community, and how to preserve the quality of the environment in the long term—for both residents and visitors.
In Ankaran, this primarily means:
- awareness of the area’s limited carrying capacity,
- care for the coastal and natural environment,
- encouraging calm and responsible visitation,
- cooperation with local stakeholders and residents.
Sustainability here is not something separate from everyday life. It is part of decisions about events, mobility, land use, communication with visitors—and also about what we choose not to do.
A small destination, a great responsibility
One of Ankaran’s advantages is its small size. Short distances enable walking and cycling, reducing traffic pressure. At the same time, this small scale means that the consequences of inappropriate behaviour quickly become visible—either in nature or in the relationship between residents and visitors.
Sustainable tourism in Ankaran is therefore based on balance:
- between visits and peaceful living,
- between supply and spatial capacity,
- between visitors’ expectations and the needs of the local community.
Instead of growth at any cost, the focus is on the quality of the experience and respect for the environment.
What we already do – and why it is not self-evident
Many sustainable practices in Ankaran are not new or explicitly labelled as “green.” They are often small but consistent steps:
- carefully planned, small-scale events,
- support for local products and short supply chains,
- raising visitor awareness about behaviour in natural areas,
- integrating sustainability into strategic destination planning.
It is important to emphasize that sustainability is not a state that can be achieved once and for all. It is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving—even when it means acknowledging that not everything can be perfect.
Sustainable tourism is not an end in itself. It is a way for Ankaran to remain a pleasant place to live, visit, and pass on to future generations.
Real challenges, not an idealized picture
Sustainable tourism also brings challenges. These include seasonal pressures, increased demand on the coastline during summer months, limited infrastructure, and the need to balance different interests. In a small destination, these challenges are even more visible.
That is why we aim to speak about sustainability not as a perfect story, but as a responsible effort. Transparency, realistic expectations, and open communication are key elements of this approach.
Looking ahead
The year 2026 will be an opportunity to showcase, through concrete stories, examples, and experiences, how sustainability in Ankaran is lived in practice—not through slogans, but through everyday decisions, cooperation, and respect for the shared space.
