The final countdown to the biggest European basketball event – EuroBasket 2013, to be held from 4 to 22 September in Ljubljana, Celje, Koper and Jesenice – has long begun. Numerous supporting activities that give the Championship a special charm and prove that Slovenia fully lives with the event are also in full swing. Follow Slovenia and EuroBasket 2013 activities.But with the coming of summer, Slovenia is also getting ready for numerous vibrant festival happenings. This year, summer will again be long, hot and vibrant – not only in the capital, Ljubljana, and Maribor, but throughout Slovenia, boasting cultural events for all ages and tastes.Slovenia declared the fifth European Destination of Excellence, whereas Portorož is with Internautica opening the 18th nautical season on the Adriatic, introducing several new features. And Matevž Lenarčič successfully flew across the North Pole on his last GreenLight World Flight.

Read more in the Monthley press news May 2013.

In 2012, for the fifth year in a row, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is participating in the European Destinations of ExcelleNce (EDEN) project. Today, Slovenia prides itself on four EDEN destinations.
 
The STB has already applied to the new EDEN 2012/13 tender and if the project is approved for Slovenia, STB will begin with its selection activities at the national level at the end of 2012.
 
The Slovenian EDEN destinations almost all, as a rule, record above-average growth levels of overnight stays, especially by foreign tourists. The Soča Valley, the Solčavsko Region, the Kolpa River and Idrija are destinations that have strengthened their position in Slovenia in the last decade, especially in recent years, through the EDEN network and its promotional support. And they all await the summer with several new features.

Read more in Monthly press news July 2012.

After 100 days, Matevž Lenarčič has a successful landing at Brnik. As Lenarčič put it: “The world is beautiful, which is simply because of nature and the people who live here. There is enough space, food and water for all of us. With this flight, we have proven that the change in mentality in the direction of SMALL-LIGHT-GREEN is both possible and necessary."

In the end of April, Ljubljana hosted the second meeting of tourist agents and travel organisers with tourist service providers of the destination 'New Europe'. The objective of the 'New Europe Travel Mart' was to increase the tourist flows in the region of New Europe that has won recognition as a new promising destination.

Next year, Slovenia with Bled will host one of the largest British tourist events, the Travel Network Group conference. According to Colin Heal, the president of the Travel Network Group, numerous countries wanted to host the event; however, “we were especially enchanted by Bled's beauty, and the kindness of the people”.

Read more in Monthly press news for May 2012.

In the first days of 2012, Matevž Lenarčič - a biologist, photographer and nature protectionist - has started his second flight around the world. A special feature of this journey is the aircraft that will be used. Weighing merely 290 kilos, Virus SW914 ultra light plane uses a minimum amount of fuel. It was constructed by the Slovenian manufacturer, Pipistrel, a recurrent winner of the NASA award for top energy-efficient planes. From Slovenia, across Africa to North and South America and the Antarctic and over to Australia and Asia, over Mount Everest and India and back home again ...

Lenarčič`s journey also has additional meaning within the message that will be transferred all over the world – summarised in the slogan "Think small - think light - think green".

In 2012, the second largest city of Slovenia, Maribor, proudly bears the title of European Capital of Culture. Together with its partner towns – Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, Murska Sobota, Velenje and Novo mesto – Maribor hosts a unique cultural programme that covers a great variety of art forms. Maribor will solemnly open the European Capital of Culture on 14 January.

Read more in Monthly press news for January.

Maribor, in cooperation with partner towns, is on full alert to take over the title of European Capital of Culture 2012. The lively opening weekend is set for 14 to 15 January 2012.
 
The Slovenian stand at the WTM received the award for the category `Best Stand for Interacting with Travel Agents`. Lonely Planet put Slovenia on the Top 10 list of `Best in Travel 2012` and Slovenia was featured in the new edition of the book `1000 Places To See Before You Die`.
 
Conventa, the leading business-to-business event in the area of congress industry in Southeast Europe, is in full gear − the fourth edition of the exhibition for meetings, events & incentive travel will be held on 18 and 19 January in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Ljubljana’s Alpe Adria fair has become the official centre and the main tourist event in the Alps-Adriatic region.
 
Before and after the New Year, Slovenia will host two World Cup competitions - the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup in Rogla in mid-December, and the Golden Fox in giant-slalom and slalom for women on Pohorje in Maribor at the end of January (followed by the Vitranc Ski World Cup in Kranjska Gora in mid-March and the Planica World Cup Ski Jumping Final at the end of March in Planica).

Read more in Monthly press news for December.

Following the success of ‘Give me three days of GREEN sLOVEnia’, the Slovenian Tourism Board and the Bank of Tourism Potential in Slovenia have decided to launch a new challenge in the frame of the Challenge Future global open youth competition. This year's challenge is ‘Old Stories 4 New Adventures’. The main challenge is in reshaping the old stories and legends into modern products that provide new and fresh experience for tourists.

Slovenian mountain centres are prepared for the new ski season. Among the most famous are Kranjska Gora (the venue of Vitranc cup, this year to be held on 10 and 11 March 2012), Rogla (with the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup - from 16 to 18 December 2011), and Mariborsko Pohorje (the venue of the Golden Fox World Cup, this year to be held on 21 and 22 January 2012). The introduction of the uniform SKI PASS SLOVENIA is especially exciting, because it enables carefree skiing and active recreation in the majority of Slovenian mountain centres.

Terme Zreče adds a new hotel to its offer – the Atrij Hotel. Koper is richer for the new Histria Hostel. Ravne na Koroškem has opened the first low-energy hostel in Slovenia.

Read more in Monthly press news for November.

Slovenian tourism in 2011 has exceeded its expected growth. According to the final data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, six per cent more arrivals and five per cent more overnight stays were recorded in the first seven months of the current year in comparison with the same period last year, whereas tourist income is up by eight percent. Temporary data for August indicates a continuation of positive growth trends.

The 29th Biennial of Graphic Arts will in the following two months leave a strong mark in Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Ljubljana will in autumn months also host the central Slovenian running event − 16th Ljubljana Marthon, and the central autumn wine-culinary event, the 14th Slovenian Wine Festival and the 4th Culinary Festival.

St. Martin's Day is the main autumn thanksgiving holiday when must is symbolically transformed into wine. It co-shapes the modern image of Slovenia as a developed vineyard and wine country. In the celebration of St. Martin's day, each of the three Slovenian wine-growing areas (regions of Primorska, Posavje and Podravje) has its own habits that represent the heritage of St. Martin's Day.

Read more in Monthly press news for October.

Slovenia's Idrija will hold the 17th World Lace Congress in 2016, following Caen, France which will host the Congress in 2012 and Adelaide, Australia where it will be held in 2014. Maribor is getting ready for the eleventh Old Vine Festival, which will take place in Maribor between the 16th and 25th September. The Festival is prepared in the honour of the Old Vine, the oldest in the world.

Slovenia was ranked among the top 10 countries with highest potential for development of adventure tourism. Martin Strel, the ´Big River Man´ who swam the length of the Amazon, has launched a holiday company for those who want to paddle through Slovenian waters in his wake.

The Hotel Wellness Park Laško was awarded the EU Ecolabel. Thermana explained the reasons for deciding to obtain an environmental label: »Additional incentives came from the Slovenian Tourist Board which guided us to sustainable tourism as the one development concept that is the right way for Slovenian tourism and is also the only one which can be competitive in long term!

Read more in the Monthly press news for September.

Festival summer in Slovenia is still in full swing!
Velenje – in anticipation of the 2012 European Capital of Culture – will come to life with one of the most beautiful children’s festivals in Europe, the Pippi Longstocking Festival. Astrid Lindgren, the author of the story about the young main character the festival is named after, has described this Festival as one of the most beautiful embodiments of her work. Slovenian Istria will bask in sweet-coloured tones, with Sweet Istria (Dolce Istria) Festival. Join us in the festival journey through Slovenia.

In the midst of summer, the Slovenian capital is not only being characterised by the rich festival activities but is also embracing an opening of new hotels – the trendy Cubo Hotel is new in the heart of Ljubljana city centre. The Slovenian Istria experience is now made richer with new and innovative accommodation in the Houses of Slovenian Istria. The houses bring to life authentic Istrian architecture and stories.

In the summer months, Slovenia’s most recognised tourist icon Bled was featured on the cover of two worldwide renowned magazines − Food and Travel Magazine and National Geographic Traveller.

Read more in the Montly press news for August.

Bled has so far hosted three World Rowing Championships at its unique and internationally famous natural course at Lake Bled, and after 22 years the World Rowing Championships is returning to Bled this Summer. Bled is ready for World Rowing Championships 2011!
 
The pre-summer festival happenings in Slovenian cities are intensifying in these summer months. Festivals give cities a fresh spirit, while both locals and visitors experience the cities and other venues, which turn into lively settings, in a different, less touristic way. Join us in the festival journey through Slovenia.
 
Slovenia is considered s small nation, but with numerous achievements in the field of sports, culture, science, medicine, and economic innovations. Recently, Slovenia has marked two outstanding achievements. Do not miss the information that Slovenia ranked 10th on the List of the Safest Countries (Global Peace Index 2011). And last but not least, Slovenia’s crannogs has just made to the Unesco’s World Heritage List.

Read more in the press news for July.

Read more in the press news for June.

According to the new Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index for 2011, Slovenia has taken 33rd place among 139 countries, and has thus climbed the ladder by two places since 2009, and by as much as 11 places since 2007. After excellent January tourism results the February of 2011 levelled with last year’s arrivals.

Maribor is focusing its development potentials on major projects in the coming years. One of the biggest challenges is the title of European Capital of Culture 2012. Slovenian Coast is getting ready for two events. The festival of salt making at the beginning of May is a real treat, followed by INTERNAUTICA International Boat Show, the Adriatic`s most significant marine lifestyle event with a long tradition, held from 10 to 15 May in Portorož.

The forest in Slovenia is a symbol of the country’s recognisability and a reflection of its attitude towards sustainable development. Slovenia, too, has joined the activities regarding the International Year of Forests.

Read more in the press news for April.

The Lipica Stud Farm, the pride of Slovenia and a cornerstone of the country’s national identity, as well as being the cradle of all Lipizzaner horses in the world, will be offering a musical and stage spectacular this March (11th) in Ljubljana, in a unique fusion of white ballet provided by the world-famous Lipizzaners and superlative music from the Slovenian and international treasure trove. The event will become a yearly tradition.

This year Bled’s Grand Hotel Toplice is celebrating its venerable 80th anniversary. It was back in 1931 that one of the most modern hotels in the entire region was built on the site of the former Luisenbad Hotel on the shores of Lake Bled. The anniversary will be marked with a host of events. The Old Vine in Maribor, which is more than 400 years old, is noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest vine in the world. The Old Vine House, on whose façade grows the Old Vine, is a shrine to wine tradition and culture, and is set to host a number of events in 2011. These events will offer an attractive overture to 2012, when Maribor becomes European Capital of Culture.

At the beginning of the year Alan Rogers, one of the best acclaimed European camping guidebooks, named Kamp Koren of Kobarid as the 2010 European winner for accommodation facilities. Meanwhile a major indication of outstanding Slovenian tourist facilities is provided by the Sejalec awards, which are presented by the Slovenian Tourist Board in the desire to promote new, high-quality and innovative approaches to developing services and facilities. The Bohinj Park EKO Hotel became a Gold Sejalec in 2010.

Slovenia has also been involved in the European Commission project “European Destinations of Excellence” since 2008. Three destinations in Slovenia now boast the title EDEN destination of excellence, and in 2011 the title will be awarded to the destination that makes the best showing in the published call on “Tourism and the Regeneration of Physical Sites”.

Preliminary data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia show that compared to January 2010, in January 2011 9% more tourist arrivals and 6% more overnight stays were registered in tourist accommodations in Slovenia.

Read more in the press news for March.

In 2011 Slovenia will be celebrating 20 years since its declaration of national independence. For this jubilee year, the Slovenian Tourist Board together with its partners has devised a “Homecoming” project, through which it is seeking to attract to Slovenia as many Slovenians as possible living around the world, as well as their relatives, descendants and friends, with the focus on socialising and getting to know Slovenia and its heritage.

March will be dominated by two major traditional sporting events. From 17 to 20 March 2011 Planica will have its sights set on new ski flying records, while Kranjska Gora is set to host what will be the 50th Vitranc Cup, on 5 and 6 March. March will also come alive with a range of colourful Shrovetide Carnival events. The most recognisable of these include the Ptuj kurenti, the Cerkno laufarji and Drežnica pustovi, and the best-attended of the Carnival events is the Kurentovanje in Ptuj. This, the 51st Kurent festival in succession, will take place this year from 26 February to 8 March.

Meanwhile Slovenia has kicked off 2011 with three new hotels – read about Ljubljana’s new Antiq Palace boutique hotel, about the new hotel at the Golte mountain tourist resort and about the new hotel in Idrija, which this February is assuming the title “Alpine Town of 2011”.

Read more in the press news for February.

Slovenia has several dozen ski areas, currently opening in readiness for this years skiing season. Each in its own way offers a perfect experience of fun and enjoyment on the snow.The Golden Fox Trophy is a classic women`s World Cup skiing event with a tradition dating back 46 years, taking place in Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort on 15 and 16 January 2011.

At the closing ceremony of Expo 2010 in Shanghai, the Slovenian pavilion, which was thematically dedicated to Ljubljana, the World Book Capital, received the Gold Award for Creative Display (interior design) in the C category (pavilions up to 2,000 m2).

At a meeting in Munich on 5 December 2010, the Board of FIBA Europe decided that at the end of August and beginning of September 2013, Slovenia will host what has to date been its biggest sports event, the European basketball championship.

The electronic version of PR! magazine, published by Ljubljana Tourism for tourism professionals, journalists, tour operators and meetings organisers, has this year reached the finals of the Digital Magazine Awards 2010 in the Travel Magazine of the Year category.

Read more in press news for December.

In December, the centre of Ljubljana is wonderfully vibrant. Its streets host a festive fair and countless other free events. In the beginning of December, Maribor also starts to glow in a festive atmosphere, with the switching on of the Fairy`s Ball festive lights that weave through the old town centre.

The Spa & Wellness Hotel Paradiso is a newly opened family hotel located in Dobova, on the edge of the Posavje region.

The Tourist Association of Slovenia has presented awards for the best entries in the project My country – beautiful and hospitable. This project, which now spans several decades, has long followed the principles of what is termed green tourism in the context of sustainable development. Among the bigger urban centres, the highest marks were given to the young city of Velenje.

Read more in press news for November.

Slovenia ranked 24th in the list of the best countries to live in The American weekly news magazine Newsweek has published its list of the best countries of the world to live in.

The Ljubljana Marathon is the biggest running event in Slovenia. It gets bigger every year and the number of competitors is constantly growing. Last year almost 20,000 running enthusiasts took part and this record participation was followed by two new Ljubljana Marathon records, set by runners from Kenya.

The World Rowing Championships 2011 will take place on Lake Bled between 28 August and 4 September 2011. The World Championships will at the same time be the qualifying rounds for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Read more in Press news for September.

Over the summer, the Jakopič Walkway in Ljubljanas Tivoli Park has been turned into the setting for a photographic exhibition of theatre events.

EasyJet has introduced a new air service connecting Ljubljana with Paris and Milan. One-way tickets will be available starting from EUR 19.99, including airport taxes and fees. Compared to this year, the number of easyJet passengers in Slovenia next year will increase by almost 70 percent.

Maribor Slovenia will be host to the 1st Eco Marathon Maribor on the 18th and 19th of September this year. The two day event will consist of a cycling marathon (82 km and 144 km) and running marathon (10 km and 21 km) and will be organized by sports management Agency SEM and the City of Maribor.

Read more in Press news for August.