UN Tourism, Croatia Join Forces to Advance Sustainable Tourism and Innovation

UN Tourism has signed landmark agreements with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia and the University of Zagreb, marking a major step forward in the promotion of sustainable tourism development, research, and innovation. The agreements were finalized during an official visit of the UN Tourism Secretary-General to Croatia and include the establishment of a Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism and the launch of new Sustainable Tourism Awards.

The Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism, based at the University of Zagreb, will serve as a knowledge hub focused on applied research and policy support for UN Tourism Member States. Designed to deliver high-impact outcomes, the Centre will work across six priority areas: Tourism Governance, Sustainability and Inclusivity, Knowledge Exchange, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Climate Action in Tourism, and Tourism Law.

In particular, the Centre will play a central role in advancing data-driven policy frameworks, promoting low-carbon solutions, and encouraging renewable energy and circular business models in tourism. It will also support knowledge dissemination and serve as a bridge between policymakers, industry leaders, and academia, fostering more informed and inclusive decision-making.

Aligned with the UN Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, the Centre will monitor and assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. These insights will guide actions by both the public and private sectors, ensuring tourism continues to support sustainable development goals.

The new Sustainable Tourism Awards, also announced as part of the collaboration, will highlight and celebrate leading destinations across Croatia that are advancing in areas such as community well-being, economic resilience, and cultural heritage protection. The awards reflect Croatia’s growing commitment to transforming its tourism model through smart, inclusive, and long-term planning.

In recent years, Croatia has implemented important legislative reforms and initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector. These new agreements with UN Tourism signal a bold step forward in aligning national efforts with global sustainability standards and promoting Croatia as a leader in sustainable tourism innovation.