VALAMAR BRANCHING OUT
Our story of tree planting
At Valamar, we know our environmental impact on the planet and the traces that our operations leave. Through our tree planting programme, we plant trees together with our guests and partners in selected local areas. The programme supports the development of green areas and involves employees in tree planting activities.
Valamar cares for more than 80,000 trees across its properties in Croatia. Based on a model developed by Zheng et al. (2011), 2,588 trees are estimated to store *88 tonnes of CO₂ in their biomass.
*This figure is not used to offset, compensate for or neutralise Valamar’s reported GHG emissions
Planting trees today for a greener tomorrow
The tree donation initiative was launched by Valamar in 2022. The idea was for our guests and employees to participate in tree planting as part of Co2mpensating by Planting, a project in cooperation with the Croatian Scout Association and Croatian Forests state forestry service.
As part of the campaign, guests donated to the planting of trees across Croatia. Valamar then matched every donation by planting another tree, impressively so far Valamar planted over 32,000 trees a cross all Croatia in collaboration with Croatian Scout Association.
The donation continued in 2026, with Valamar supporting the enhancement of selected local areas through planting of trees and other plants and landscaping activities.Fun fact: Planting 32,000 trees requires an area of approximately 2.3 million square metres – equivalent to around 320 football fields.
SHADE THE EARTH
Stellar stays, greener ways
How exactly does tree planting fit into hospitality and what inspired us at Valamar to take up tree planting and environmental improvement as one of our key actions?
“As a leader in Croatian tourism, we seek to create value through concrete initiatives that support the local communities and areas in which we operate.,” said Ivana Budin Arhanić, Member of the Management Board at Valamar.
The tree planting initiative offers both our employees and guests a chance to be part of something bigger, a meaningful experience that resonates long after check-out.
SAPLINGS TO STEWARDS
Supporting local biodiversity
Now, let’s talk trees. What makes them so important? Trees provide habitat, food and shelter for many species and can play an important role in local ecosystems.
With their leafy canopies, trees provide shelter, sustenance and safe passage for a wide spectrum of species, creating a vibrant ecosystem where animals, insects and birds thrive.
Since the initiative began in 2022, more than 32,000 trees have been planted across Croatia through the programme.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Cultivating a greener Croatia
Our tree planting initiative includes species such as holm oak, Aleppo pine and black ash, selected according to the characteristics of the local area. These keystone species of Mediterranean restore entire habitats, once widespread, have faced decline due to climate-related disasters such as storms and ice breakage, as well as unsustainable logging practices. Planting them can help reintroduce wildlife and restore entire habitats.
To contribute to biodiversity, the Valamar team has even set up nesting houses for birds and hotels for insects, in partnership with the Croatian association BIOM. At selected locations, Valamar also supports biodiversity measures such as nesting boxes and insect hotels (70 insect hotels, 250 birdhouses, 90 bat boxes, and 30 hedgehog houses) in cooperation with specialist organisations.
By adopting and evolving responsible tourism practices, we are sowing seeds for the long haul.
At Valamar, we hold trees in high regard. They enhance the beauty of our surroundings, but also play a pivotal role in our ecosystem and our guests’ experience.
CHAMPIONING CHANGE
Beyond postcard-perfect holidays
In 2025, Valamar got top marks for sustainability and ESG practices.
Valamar received the EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing the company among the top 5% of companies worldwide for sustainability performance.
Valamar also achieved the highest ESG rating in the Croatian tourism sector according to HGK and was recognised among Croatia’s leading companies in Bloomberg Adria’s ESG assessment.
The hospitality industry leaves an undeniable footprint on the environment – and at Valamar, we’re very much aware of this. We aren’t just a guest in the environment– and we take this role seriously.