We at Royal Djurgården are proud that our collaboration is being internationally recognized in the latest edition of the “Destination Stewardship Report.” The report, which showcases leaders in sustainable tourism from around the world, highlights our generous and effective approach as an example of successful collaborations for sustainable development. Among other selected destinations are Easter Island in Chile, Northern Bay in Canada, and Australia’s Great Ocean Road. We have been invited to share our experiences and how we have successfully combined collaboration and sustainability at Djurgården.
A Unique Gathering Place in the Heart of Stockholm
Royal Djurgården is a unique place where culture, nature, and history converge in the heart of Stockholm. With over 15 million visitors annually, we are determined that the development of our attractions must be conducted in a respectful and long-term sustainable manner. Therefore, we have collectively committed to focusing on creating effective collaborations around sustainability among the 62 attractions located on Djurgården.
The Key to Our Success
Collaboration is a fundamental part of most sustainability projects. In the “Destination Stewardship Report,” the importance of our dedicated sustainability team with representatives from various attractions is emphasized. The team, led by Royal Djurgården Stakeholders, includes representatives from Royal Djurgården Administration, ABBA The Museum, the Nordic Museum, Skansen, the National Maritime and Transport Museums, the Rosendal Garden Foundation, and the Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology. Through generous cooperation, the team has developed strategies and action plans in four main areas: fossil-free and traffic-smart, sustainable food culture, open, accessible and welcoming, and a world exhibition for sustainability. We have set common goals extending to 2027, and all 62 members of Royal Djurgården Stakeholders are committed to achieving them.
“That the team takes valuable time from their regular work to contribute to the common good gives the destination a unique and broad spectrum of knowledge. The commitment from the destination’s largest players provides the mandate needed to drive the work forward – all for the benefit of Djurgården as a whole as well as the individual attractions,” says Camilla Zedendahl, CEO of Royal Djurgården Stakeholders.
Systematic Work and a Global Approach
Tourism is global by nature, and we welcome visitors from all over the world. To be able to be compared in a structured way with other destinations, both nationally and internationally, we have evaluated our work based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the criteria presented by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This framework is an important part of our development work.
“We always seek inspiration from our surroundings and strive to improve. Being included in the ‘Destination Stewardship Report’ is an honor, and we are pleased that our generous approach and strong collaboration can now inspire others,” concludes Karin Sallander, project manager at Royal Djurgården Stakeholders.
You can read the full report here: Djurgården shows how to collaborate.
Facts and Awards
- 2024: We welcomed GSCT2024 – a world congress for sustainable tourism with 500 delegates from 57 countries – through a collaboration with Visit Sweden, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, and Stockholm Business Region.
- 2023: Royal Djurgården Stakeholders were awarded as an inspiration for other destinations worldwide for our strategic collaboration methods and sustainable leadership.
- 2022: We received the “Green Destinations Platinum Award” after meeting 94% of global criteria based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and GSTC’s criteria for sustainable tourism.
“Destination Stewardship Report” is an international collaboration between the Destination Stewardship Center (DSC), the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The report provides practical information and insights for anyone working with or interested in improving the stewardship of destinations in a post-pandemic world.
Through the long-term collaboration that the Royal Djurgården Society has established, the sustainability work is driven forward and receives international attention. (17.17)
