Aspen, Colorado Among the 2023 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for Blending Arts & Culture Programming with Sustainability

Aspen recently won a place among the 2023 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, an annual list of innovative good practice stories from destinations all over the world to be shared as inspiring examples to others, from tourism professionals to travelers. The designation recognizes destinations that are working hard and making progress towards a more sustainable tourism industry while creating a more attractive experience for local communities and visitors.

Green Destinations is a non-profit foundation for sustainable destination development and recognition, accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council/GSTC. With this award, Aspen is also included in the Good Travel Guide which increases visibility and reaches conscious travelers interested in visiting a sustainable destination through the Good Travel Guide website.

“We are pleased to receive this recognition for a second year as part of our ongoing efforts to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council as a Certified Sustainable Destination. Being highlighted at the global level for our local efforts is something that the Aspen community can be proud of,” stated Eliza Voss, Vice President Destination Marketing for Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA). 

Aspen’s story highlighted the sustainability efforts by local arts and culture organizations to incorporate green initiatives into their programming through zero-waste events, critical dialogue on climate change, scholarship opportunities, and more. The organizations included are Anderson Ranch Arts Center, The Aspen Institute, Belly Up Aspen, The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and Aspen Art Museum. They exemplify the balance of artistic and educational offerings with climate initiatives and aligning their programming with promoting environmental responsibility.

Submissions were evaluated by the Green Destinations Top 100 Team, country experts and Green Destination Partners, coordinated by Green Destinations. Selection criteria included the quality, transferability, level of innovation in the stories, and presence of all sustainability pillars. As part of the Top 100 program, sustainable destination activities are evaluated using the internationally-recognized Mountain IDEAL Standard which includes best practices specifically designed for rural, resort, recreation, and gateway communities.

About Aspen

Aspen, Colorado is an authentic, historic mountain town that is renowned for its year-round outdoor lifestyle, robust cultural calendar, and vibrant downtown ambiance. Aspen is defined by an urban feel that belies its small-town charm. An Aspen vacation is an experience that enriches the mind, body, and spirit, whether soaking in mountain beauty and over 200 days of annual sunshine or taking part in a favorite adventure. Located 18 miles west of Independence Pass, Aspen is nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River, Hunter Creek, Maroon Creek, and Castle Creek, and encircled by the peaks of the Elk Mountain Range in the central Rocky Mountains. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is conveniently located only three miles from downtown Aspen. For visitor information, a complete calendar of events, or to book an Aspen vacation, visit aspenchamber.org, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940. 

About ACRA

Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Aspen’s business community and enhancing the visitor experience. ACRA is a unique blend of a traditional chamber of commerce and destination management organization. ACRA’s departments which support the Aspen business community are Destination Marketing and Group Sales, Membership, Special Events, and Visitor Services. Follow ACRA on Instagram and Twitter (@AspenCO), Facebook (@VisitAspen), YouTube(Visit Aspen), and TikTok (@VisitAspen). aspenchamber.org 

About Green Destinations

Green Destinations is a Netherlands-based organisation working on the assessment, capacity building and certification of destinations and businesses committed to sustainable tourism. Green Destinations manages a number of global programmes through a core team of coordinators and programme managers. The organization leads a global partnership of over 50 representatives, consisting of sustainable tourism experts, consultancies and non-profit organisations; it works for the benefit of the Green Destinations community. To date, more than 450 destinations and 50 businesses from 60 countries have participated in one of our programmes. Together with the Green Destinations Community and the association, the organization aims to make tourism better and more sustainable.