Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Good for Business, Tourism

Winners were chosen in three categories: the most sustainable destination; the most sustainable product and exceptional services; and the most sustainable private tourism services provider, spokespeople for the Parnu city government said.

More than 30 candidates from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Russia and Sweden vied for the titles.

In intense competition, Parnu emerged as the winner in the the most sustainable destination category. The Estonian island of Saaremaa was the runner-up in the same category.

No other nominees from Estonia emerged among the winners. 

The award for the most sustainable product and exceptional services went to Denmark and the award for the most sustainable tourism services provider to Finland.

The winners are entitled to use a special sustainable tourism logo on their facilities, products and promotional materials.

The candidates were evaluated by international experts and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The jury looked at the achievements of each candidate, including specific accomplishments and examples when it comes to their ability to develop tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and after it, as well as to enliven tourism after the pandemic while observing the principles of sustainability.

The title was accepted on Parnu's behalf by Deputy Mayor Rainer Aavik by means of videoconference.

The BSTF is a meeting place for all stakeholders in tourism: business operators, representatives of the public sector and the third sector. BSTF 2020, organized by Lithuania, was the first BSTF held online. 

Parnu College of the University of Tartu hosted the BSTF in 2016.