Van Gogh National Park takes first place at the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards at ITB Berlin
The WandelStarter approach, developed by Brabant Partners within the project, has received international recognition at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair. On 4 March 2026, Van Gogh National Park won first place in the Destination Management category of the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards, positioning North-Brabant (the Netherlands) among the global frontrunners in sustainable tourism.
The award was granted for the best practice story “From Visitor Pressure to Balance: How the WandelStarter Approach Reinvents Destination Management.” The story was previously selected for the Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 Stories, a global collection of inspiring examples of sustainable tourism.
A collaborative approach to visitor management
WandelStarter was developed by Brabant Partners together with 56 municipalities, water boards, nature organisations, mobility experts and tourism partners. This integrated approach demonstrates how recreation, nature protection and quality of life can be balanced through collaboration and smart visitor management.
Heleen Huisjes, Director of Brabant Partners: “Destinations around the world struggle with balancing recreation, nature, mobility and quality of life. In Van Gogh National Park we show that sustainable destination management works. Together with our partners, we are creating a livable region where residents and visitors can enjoy Brabant - now and in the future.”
Next step: influencing travel behaviour
In addition to spreading visitor flows, the next phase of the project focuses on sustainable accessibility. New public transport starting points will be integrated into the WandelStarter concept, encouraging visitors to reach nature areas by train, bus or bicycle rather than by car.
Project manager Fabio Tat explains: “We see that access roads and parking areas near popular nature sites become overcrowded, especially on weekends. By adding public transport starting points and better information for visitors, we can guide people to nature in a more sustainable way.”
The recognition highlights how the project contributes to innovative visitor management solutions that protect vulnerable nature while maintaining high-quality recreational experiences.