Get to know the 2026 STAR Award Winners!

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We are delighted to announce the winners of the STAR Awards 2026, recognising outstanding tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence in sustainable tourism within ECST Protected Areas.

STAR Awards: Celebrating Sustainable Tourism Development

This year’s winners have shown exceptional commitment to conservation, local development, environmental education, and sustainable business practices, contributing to the goals of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

STAR Award Overall Winner

Società Agricola Montagna Verde

Located in Appennino Tosco Emiliano National Park, Italy

Activities: Accommodation, restaurant and food services, environmental education centre, and farming.

Awarded First Place and STAR Award Overall Winner, Società Agricola Montagna Verde was recognised for its outstanding integrated approach to biodiversity conservation, rural regeneration, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and local employment creation.

https://www.europarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/apellaview_montagna-verde_barbara-maffei.jpgPicture Credit: Barbara Maffei

STAR Award Runner-Up

Ipalan

Located in Garajonay National Park, Spain

Activities: Nature and cultural guiding services and incoming tourism agency.

Awarded Second Place and STAR Award Runner-Up, Ipalan was recognised for its exemplary engagement of visitors in conservation activities, its strong collaboration with the Protected Area, and its commitment to environmental education and ecosystem restoration.

https://www.europarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Star-award-2026-runner-up_Picture-credit-Ipalan.pngPicture credit: Ipalan

STAR Award Honourable Mention

Bodega Vinculo Serrano

Located in Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park, Spain

Activities: Agricultural producer.

Awarded Third Place and STAR Award Honourable Mention, Bodega Vinculo Serrano was recognised for its contribution to regenerative agriculture, landscape conservation, sustainable rural development, and the preservation of traditional farming systems.

https://www.europarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Star-award-2026-honourable-mention_Picture-Credit-Bodega-Vinculo-Serrano.pngPicture Credit: Bodega Vinculo Serrano

The Star Awards recognise businesses that deliver tangible benefits for nature, local communities, and visitors. The Star Awards 2026 winners demonstrate how tourism businesses can play a vital role in supporting Protected Areas while contributing to resilient local economies. They will officially be awarded during the ECST Award Ceremony in Brussels later this year.

Learn more about EUROPARC’s Programme ‘European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas’.

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