Q1: What makes your destination truly unique for meeting planners?
Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana stands as a beacon of sustainable hospitality in Central Europe, offering meeting planners an unparalleled combination of cutting-edge eco-technology and authentic Slovenian charm. As the first and only BREEAM-certified hotel in Slovenia, we’ve reimagined every aspect of our operations through an environmental lens.
The hotel’s strategic location, just 8 minutes from Ljubljana’s compact city centre, allows delegates to experience Slovenia’s vibrant capital without the need for transport, while our 24 EV charging stations and e-bike rentals make sustainable exploration effortless.
Q2: If your destination were a personality, how would you describe it?
Imagine a visionary CEO who wears hiking boots with a tailored suit – that’s Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana. We embody the perfect balance of business acumen and environmental consciousness with the warm hospitality for which Slovenia is famous. Like a successful entrepreneur who’s equally comfortable in a boardroom or a forest, we merge cutting-edge technology with deep respect for nature. Our personality is innovative yet approachable, ambitious yet grounded, always looking toward the future while staying rooted in sustainable values.
Q3: What are the three key experiences that every event attendee should have when visiting your destination?
Dine sustainably at Restaurant Robin, which offers zero-waste menus. Explore responsibly using the provided electric shuttles and take advantage of the 24 EV charging stations available. Connect with nature through the “Plant a Tree” program, where every €10,000 spent by corporate clients contributes to funding a new tree.
Q4: How has your destination positioned itself as a leader in the meetings industry?
We have established ourselves as Central Europe’s sustainable meetings pioneer through three strategic pillars:
Certification Leadership: Beyond being Slovenia’s first BREEAM-certified hotel in Slovenia, we’re pursuing Green Key certifications in 2025, creating an unrivalled sustainability trifecta.
Transparent Impact Reporting: Through Marriott’s “Just Report It” platform, we provide real-time data with our hotel’s initiatives – from kWh energy used to litres of water saved to all our teams’ work.
Net-zero ambitions: Targeting 25% energy, 30% water, and 30% waste reductions by 2029.
Q5: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in the industry over the next three years?
The hospitality industry faces a complex web of rising operational costs, with inflation, escalating energy prices, and persistent supply chain disruptions creating significant financial strain. However, within this challenge lies a critical opportunity: the adoption of sustainable practices. The core issue that hospitality faces is that while costs are rising, the industry’s product is an experience. So, cost-cutting measures can very easily cause a decrease in the quality of the customer experience. This is the tightrope that all hospitality businesses are walking. In this challenging environment, hospitality businesses must prioritise meticulous cost management strategies. This includes: optimising energy efficiency, negotiating favourable contracts with suppliers, and implementing smart inventory management. And finding ways to streamline operations through technology.
However, it’s crucial to strike a delicate balance between cost control and maintaining the high-quality service that guests expect. Failure to do so can lead to a decline in customer satisfaction and long-term business viability.
In essence, the hospitality industry must navigate economic pressures and evolving customer expectations while embracing technology and sustainability.
Those who adapt successfully will be well-positioned for growth in the coming years. While rising energy prices present a challenge, they also incentivise investments in energy-efficient technologies. Switching to LED lighting, installing smart thermostats, and exploring renewable energy sources like solar power can reduce long-term energy expenditures.
Supply chain disruptions highlight the need for localised sourcing. By prioritising local suppliers, hospitality businesses can reduce transportation costs and support regional economies. Waste reduction is another area where cost savings and sustainability align. Implementing robust recycling programs, minimising single-use plastics, and composting food waste can reduce waste disposal costs while minimising environmental impact. Water conservation measures, like installing low-flow fixtures and encouraging guests to reuse linens, reduce utility costs.
Embracing sustainable practices is not merely about cost reduction; it’s also about meeting the growing demand for eco-conscious travel. Consumers are increasingly prioritising businesses that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. By adopting sustainable practices, hospitality businesses can enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious guests, and gain a competitive advantage.
“As Slovenia’s first BREEAM-certified hotel and Meetings Star 2025 award winner, we have implemented a comprehensive sustainability framework to drive long-term growth in the MICE sector.”
Q6: How do you support local businesses, suppliers, and venues in growing their appeal for international meetings?
In essence, Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship with local businesses, suppliers, and venues, enhancing the appeal of its destinations for international meetings while supporting local economies and promoting sustainability. Our hotel participates in Marriott International’s Serve 360 program, which is a crucial part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. It’s designed to create a positive and sustainable impact in the communities where the company operates. The program aims to address environmental and social issues through various initiatives.
Key Pillars:
Nourish Our World: Addressing hunger and poverty.
Sustain Our World: Minimising environmental impact.
Empower Our World: Creating Economic Opportunities.
Welcome Our World: Promoting human rights.
We have to report everything within the Just Report It platform. This translates into initiatives like reducing waste, conserving water and energy, sourcing responsibly, and supporting local communities through volunteerism and partnerships. Marriott also works to ensure its supply chain is sustainable and encourages its vendors to adopt sustainable practices.
Q7: What initiatives do you have in place to ensure long-term growth in the MICE sector?
As Slovenia’s first BREEAM-certified hotel and Meetings Star 2025 award winner, we have implemented a comprehensive sustainability framework to drive long-term growth in the MICE sector. Our initiatives are designed to create value for clients, partners, and the environment: We are minimising food waste diversion, upcycling event materials (banners→tote bags, floral waste→natural dyes), using digital codes to replace printed materials and local ecosystem development. We are also focusing on talent development with cross-departmental green teams driving continuous improvement. Last year, we started with a planting trees project.
Q8: What advice would you give to hotels looking to elevate their profile in the meetings industry?
From our journey to becoming Slovenia’s premier sustainable meetings destination, we recommend:
Start With Authenticity: Don’t just bolt on sustainability – rebuild your operations around it like we did with our BREEAM certification process. Planners spot greenwashing instantly.
Measure Everything: Implement robust tracking like our “Just Report It” system. Concrete data builds credibility.
Tell Compelling Stories: Move beyond statistics by showing impact – like how your rooftop garden supplies herbs for events while cooling the building naturally.
Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana proves that sustainability and business success are not just compatible – they are mutually reinforcing. As General Manager Dragan Ćulibrk says: “We’re not just hosting meetings – we’re cultivating a movement where every event leaves Slovenia greener than we found it.”
About Dragan Ćulibrk
Dragan Ćulibrk is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in leadership roles. He currently excels as the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons, a part of Marriott International, where he oversees the hotel’s entire operation. Prior to this, he gained extensive experience at prestigious Kempinski hotels in Switzerland and Slovenia, specialising in financial management.
Find out more about the Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana here.
