GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA - The annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition collects good practice stories from destinations all over the world to be shared as inspiring examples for tourism professionals and travelers. The 2024 edition has generated an inspiring collection of Good Practice Stories from 32 countries, including just five featured stories from the United States. Proudly representing for California, Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is included with the story, “The Power of Inclusion: Amplifying Authentic Experiences and Local Voices.PDF File” By telling their stories, Green Destination acknowledges destination management organizations like VGPS and recognizes them for the solutions they have implemented in response to sustainable tourism challenges faced.

Summarizing the story, Lauren Bruggemans, VGPS Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement said, “To better serve today's travelers and to ensure the benefits of tourism reach our entire community, Visit Greater Palm Springs prioritized authentic storytelling and community involvement. By amplifying the voices of Native American Tribes, local artists, and underrepresented entrepreneurs, we've showcased our cultural heritage, local support, and authentic visitor experiences.”

A panel of experts from Green Destinations, along with country experts and Green Destination Partners, carefully evaluated submissions for the Top 100 Stories competition. The selected destinations represent a diverse range of innovative practices that align with the core principles of sustainable tourism.

While inclusion in the Top 100 list does not guarantee a destination's complete sustainability, it signifies a significant commitment to responsible tourism practices. The stories shared by these destinations offer valuable insights and inspiration for others in the industry.

The competition is held under the auspices of the Top 100 Partnership, with special contributions by: Green Destinations, QualityCoast, ITB Berlin, Asian Ecotourism Network, Ecotourism Australia, DEL Turismo, Slovenia Green, Global Ecotourism Network, and the Future of Tourism Coalition.

Visit Greater Palm Springs' submission “The Power of Inclusion: Amplifying Authentic Experiences and Local Voices”  and the whole 2024 Top 100 list is available on the Green Destinations Website visit greater palm springs' submission “the power of inclusion: amplifying authentic experiences and local voices”  and the whole 2024 top 100 list is available on the green destinations websitehere.
 

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About Visit Greater Palm Springs

Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is the official destination marketing organization for the nine-city Southern California oasis of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Founded in 1989 with a mission to positively affect the destination's $7.5 billion tourism economy and quality of life for its residents, VGPS provides sales, marketing and PR, and destination development activities to grow visitation from potential leisure travelers and event, meeting and convention group markets. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

About Green Destinations

Green Destinations is the world's largest network of destinations committed to sustainability, supported by more than 50 program partners worldwide. Our goal is to support destinations in improving quality and sustainability based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and globally agreed principles. Over 600 destinations and 400 businesses in 60 countries have already joined our programs. and 400 businesses. For more information visit our website: www.greendestinations.org

About Top 100 Green Destinations

The Top 100 competition recognizes and honors tourism destinations worldwide that are working toward more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Each year, the competition invites destinations worldwide to submit their stories, showcasing how they address key challenges in environmental protection, social equity, cultural preservation, and economic viability in tourism. Visit our website: www.greendestinations.org/top-100-destinations/