The GTO was established by HORESTA (the Danish industry association for hotels, restaurants and tourism) together with the NGO, Danish Outdoor Council to support and acknowledge tourism destinations and organisations that make an extra effort within sustainability. Both HORESTA and Danish Outdoor Council were also part of creating the Green Key certificate 25 years ago, which has now spread to 65 countries and 3,200 tourism organisations.
To become certified, an organisation will be assessed on approx. 140 criteria including management, environmental considerations, the organisations use of utilities and in relation to the organisation’s efforts to bring attention to sustainable tourism.
With ambitious climate goals and projects, Denmark is often considered a frontrunner within sustainability. The country aims to reduce its total emissions of greenhouse gasses by 70 percent by 2030 and become fossil free by 2050.