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CONSTELLATION OF THE BEST STORIES FROM SLOVENIA 2023

What excited and inspired us in 2023?

🌿  SLOVENIA: GREEN, RESPONSIBLE AND ENGAGING GLOBAL BOUTIQUE DESTINATION.  🌿

 

A small piece of the world hides the diversity of pristine nature, picturesque cities, cultural heritage and startling peculiarities. Unique, authentic, boutique adventures await you, as well as hospitable faces of Slovenian tourism – top chefs, generators of 5-star experiences, local travel guides, wellness professionals, committed hoteliers, etc. And us, the creators and explorers of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

The year that is coming to an end has written special stories of Slovenian tourism. New unique experiences, exceptional events, innovative stories. But it was also a year of challenges and concerns characterised in certain areas by natural disasters and floods. And yet we believe that it was also a year of opportunities for a better, more sustainable, friendlier and more engaging tourism. For an even greener Slovenia. Our last story in 2023 should thus consist of an inspiring collection of memories of wonderful stories, high-profile news, sporting achievements, numerous awards and other successes in the year that is coming to an end. And of the people who have made it so exceptional. These are the stars and galaxies that shined the brightest in 2023.

COVER STARS

Slovenian proverb states “a good name is better than riches”. The name of Slovenia reached several global medias that recognised it as a trendy tourist destination, mainly due to its sustainable and boutique direction. See which media placed Slovenia on the pedestal of the most attractive and sustainable tourism destinations in the world.

Slovenia in the eyes of the global media

"Cycling is the right way to see the Western Balkans. This region is perfect for travellers who combine adventure, culture and a glass of wine at the end of the day." More

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Forbes: A secret winter playground: the Alps of northern Slovenia

Forbes: A secret winter playground: the Alps of northern Slovenia

Travel with journalist Ann Abel through the winter idyll of Kranjska Gora, Velika Planina, Ljubljana, Vogel and Maribor, and get in the cheerful mood in the company of the Kurents in Ptuj.

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The Telegraph: Juliana Trail among the 20 best walking holidays

The Telegraph: Juliana Trail among the 20 best walking holidays

The renowned British media giant The Telegraph has compiled a list of the 20 best walking holidays for 2023. Included among the chosen trails is the well-known Juliana Trail.

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Condé Nast Traveler: Slovenia among the best honeymoon destinations in the world

Condé Nast Traveler: Slovenia among the best honeymoon destinations in the world

Condé Nast Traveler, a titan in global travel, is guiding newlyweds-to-be in discovering the finest honeymoon experiences and it recommends Slovenia as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the summer.

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Wanderlust: Rambling among the Julian Alps

Wanderlust: Rambling among the Julian Alps

For the online edition of Wanderlust, journalist Steve Fallon discovers the charms of the Julian Alps and gives readers tips on how to fill their short break with diverse experiences.

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Lonely Planet: Trans Dinarica cycling trail in the 'Best in Travel' 2024 guidebook

Lonely Planet: Trans Dinarica cycling trail in the 'Best in Travel' 2024 guidebook

The a renowned travel publication Lonely Planet has named the Trans Dinarica cycling trail as one of the Best in Travel Experiences for 2024 for its exceptional quality.

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Lonely Planet: Slovenia among the 7 destinations to visit by e-vehicle

Lonely Planet: Slovenia among the 7 destinations to visit by e-vehicle

To celebrate the launch of the new guide, they have selected seven routes in European countries that are ideal for travelling by electric car. Among them is Slovenia, which is recommended for EV drivers because of its growing network of charging points,...

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Travel and Leisure: Ljubljana among the best cities in Europe

Travel and Leisure: Ljubljana among the best cities in Europe

The reputable media Travel and Leisure has published its 15 favourite cities in Europe, as voted by its readers. Achieving a notable 7th place, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was particularly distinguished by its rich historical character.

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National Geographic: Soča Valley gastronomy on the list of the best gourmet getaways in Europe

National Geographic: Soča Valley gastronomy on the list of the best gourmet getaways in Europe

Foodies will not have missed the article in National Geographic describing destinations in Europe worth visiting for their exceptional cuisine. Among the 23 destinations, the Soča Valley's culinary reputation is notably enhanced by its gem, Hiša Franko.

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BBC: What do wellness guru Sebastian Kneipp and the town of Kamnik have in common?

BBC: What do wellness guru Sebastian Kneipp and the town of Kamnik have in common?

Sebastian Kneipp is known for his methods to improve well-being, the most famous of which is alternating bathing in cold and warm water. But did you know that his methods are also used in the Snovik Spa near Kamnik?

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The New York Times: Ana Roš, one of the best chefs in the world

The New York Times: Ana Roš, one of the best chefs in the world

One of the world's most respected magazines has turned its attention to chef Ana Roš and presents her impressive story in depth. Though self-taught, her lack of formal training paves the way for boundless creative freedom, a feature vividly reflected...

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Le Monde: Slovenia, the country where bees are queens

Le Monde: Slovenia, the country where bees are queens

The French newspaper Le Monde focuses on the rich beekeeping tradition in Slovenia, which has also found its place on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. Readers learn more about Slovenia through the work of women beekeepers near Laško.

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Vogue: Why Slovenia – and its dining scene – should be on your European bucket list

Vogue: Why Slovenia – and its dining scene – should be on your European bucket list

Vogue Online celebrates the beauty of Slovenia, both in terms of gastronomy and sustainability and active experiences in nature. It also discusses the cycling star Tadej Pogačar, the ambassador of Slovenian tourism.

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Apotheken Umschau: The charms of Maribor

Apotheken Umschau: The charms of Maribor

Christian Haas, a journalist with the German media Apotheken Umschau, discovers the charms of the city of the world's oldest vine. He pays special attention to the winter fun to be had at Mariborsko Pohorje.

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ART AND CULTURE: LEGENDS, PIONEERS AND MODERN MYSTICS

Slovenian art and culture will be highlighted in our stories as the overarching communication theme over the next two years. They have already received a lot of attention this year. On the occasion of the Slovenian Culture Day, 8 February, we showed a video dedicated to Slovenian culture and art. A literary story announced an extraordinary year that was topped by the renowned Frankfurt Book Fair, where Slovenia was featured as the Guest of Honour. What stories will we learn next year? We are already looking forward to them.

SPORTS STARS AND HIGH-PROFILE SPORTING EVENTS

When effort, talent and above-human effort of an individual merge with pristine cheers and crossed fingers, the best medals multiply in their value. This is how it is in Slovenia where the achievements of our athletes are celebrated loudly and passionately. Champions who call green Slovenia their home can be found all around the world, such as basketball wunderkind Luka Dončić, sport climber Janja Garnbret, cyclists Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič and many others. At the end of the year, the Slovenian football team caused a stir among the fans by qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024. We also have high expectations for Paris 2024!

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Nordic World Ski Championships Planica 2023

Experience the sporting pinnacle of the 2023 winter in Slovenia.

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European Rowing Championships in Bled

Europe's best rowers competed again in Bled in 2023.

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Sports Fans of Slovenia

Feel the cheering atmosphere in Slovenia.

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Largest sporting events in Slovenia and the world in 2025

Get ready to cheer on your favourites and come to the idyllic environment of Slovenia’s sports venues.

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Cycling in Štajerska with the Roglič family

Discover the charms of the wine-growing regions around Ormož and Ptuj with Primož Roglič's family.

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Luka2Bled

On 16 September, we were witness to a basketball spectacle at, or more accurately in, Lake Bled. The focus was on the presentation of the new basketball shoe LUKA 2 LAKE BLED, developed in cooperation between Luka Dončić and the legendary Jordan brand. A 3x3 basketball tournament was also held on a floating court in the middle of Lake Bled.

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European Youth Olympic Festival Maribor 2023

In 2023, the Olympic spirit of Europe's young sports stars captured the city of the oldest vine in the world.

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Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Janja Garnbret – The queen of sport climbing

Meet the Slovenian female climber and ambassador of Slovenian tourism who pushes the boundaries of sport climbing.

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Tadej Pogačar – cycling genius and his homeland Slovenia

Get to know the Slovenian grandmaster of great cycling races, Tadej Pogačar.

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Reasons for Slovenian sporting success at the international level

We present some reasons why Slovenia is successful in the field of sports.

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Love for sports can be noticed at every step, especially at international sporting events hosted by Slovenia. Several sports events were organised in 2023. We started the year with the Nordic World Ski Championships in Planica. Bled hosted the best European rowers and Ljubljana co-hosted the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023. The Tour of Slovenia took place on Slovenian roads and Maribor was the venue of the European Youth Olympic Festival.

In late summer, Lake Bled transformed into an unusual sports venue: there was a floating basketball court on the surface of the lake!

Slovenia, a top sports destination

Welcome to the land of exceptional sports culture. Get to know the possibilities of why Slovenia is an excellent sports choice for the successful implementation of sports preparations and the organization of recreational and top sports competitions.


Sports tourism is undoubtedly the future of an industry that is very important for Slovenia, and also has significant growth potential. Sport and tourism complement each other in a unique way. I have seen with my own eyes on countless occasions that Slovenian athletes are the best ambassadors for our beautiful country, along with sporting events that attract large crowds. Each of these events is always a great opportunity to promote our places, our culture, our cuisine... and Slovenia really has a lot to be proud of.

Aleksander Čeferin, President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)

CULINARY STARS

The stars of Slovenian cuisine continued to shine. And how brightly they shine! Top-notch, innovative and genuine Slovenian chefs proved that they were not mere shooting stars in the culinary sky and have convinced the experts and inspectors of the renowned Michelin Guide of their excellence for the fourth time in a row. Some 59 Slovenian restaurants are now glowing in the Michelin constellation. In 2023, chef Ana Roš's Hiša Franko can boast no fewer than three Michelin stars, making it the first Slovenian restaurant to be awarded three stars, and the 140th restaurant worldwide to be awarded such a prestigious rating. 

Also new in 2023 are two stars for Restaurant Milka in Kranjska Gora, the creative space of chef David Žefran and his team. Seven more Slovenian restaurants can boast one Michelin star. Slovenia is a destination where exquisite equals homely, five-star equals local and divine equals the authentic flavours of Slovenia.

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Milka, Kranjska Gora (David Žefran)

Milka, Kranjska Gora (David Žefran)

A restaurant in which the charm of Lake Jasna and surrounding mountain peaks is reflected in the perfection of dishes prepared from local ingredients incorporating a wide selection of herbs and original methods of ingredient preservation.

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Hiša Linhart, Radovljica (Uroš Štefelin)

Hiša Linhart, Radovljica (Uroš Štefelin)

In the romantic old town centre of Radovljica, local tradition and innovative cuisine are uniquely intertwined by chef Uroš Štefelin in a charming medievall house.

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Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

The most innovative European chef of 2017 according to the JRE, an association of young chefs and restaurateurs, is the only Slovenian recipient of the prestigious Italian Cuoco d'Oro award. He draws inspiration from traditional "poor man’s ingredients"...

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Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

The romantic medieval ambience of the archers' tower at the Ljubljana Castle blends perfectly with the creativity and recognizable modern style of chef Igor Jagodic's elaborate dishes, full of details, colors, freshness and unusual combinations of flavors.

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Luka Košir, Grič, Šentjošt nad Horjulom, Chef of the Future

Luka Košir, Grič, Šentjošt nad Horjulom, Chef of the Future

With the innovative use of local ingredients and connection with nature, Košir completely transformed the philosophy of family cuisine. His dishes are an adventurous journey for the eyes and taste buds.

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Wine region

Wine-making tradition

David Žefran, Restaurant Milka, Kranjska Gora

David Žefran, Restaurant Milka, Kranjska Gora

Being inspired by Alpine nature, his experience of Nordic fine dining and his exceptional respect for the environment are all qualities of Chef David Žafran, who transforms his dishes into unique works of art on the plate.

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Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko is a unique culinary rebel with no established style and predictable menus, preferring his work to be guided by intuition, which occasionally compels him to incorporate elements of his family’s traditions. He learned his skills from top...

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Michelin Stars in Slovenia

Michelin Stars in Slovenia

The most prestigious gastronomic guide in the world has recognised the quality of Slovenian gastronomy and added Slovenia to its list of new destinations. See which restaurants received Michelin stars.

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Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota, Chef of the Year

Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota, Chef of the Year

Chef Gregor Vračko is known for being a top culinary rebel who does not seek out reasons for being different. A combination of knowledge about international cuisines and local tradition spiced up with a great deal of unique creativity gives Vračko’s...

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Filip Matjaž, COB Restaurant, Portorož - chef of the future

Filip Matjaž, COB Restaurant, Portorož - chef of the future

Filip Matjaž is passionate about cooking outside the box and uses this approach to create a fun, unexpected and interactive experience for the palates of his guests.

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Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš's kitchen is filled with aromas of the Mediterranean. His ingredients of choice are fish and seafood, which he skilfully combines with other quality local ingredients to create bold combinations.

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Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

The master chef, who is the best female chef in the world according to The Best Chef Awards 2024, finds ingredients for her masterpieces in the valley of the Soča River. After finding love, she gave up her diplomatic career and devoted herself to the...

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As you move away from the capital, you move closer to the land, to its many organic vegetable gardens and smallholdings, and to the concepts of zero-mile produce and foraging. Here, you will find dishes, prepared with wild herbs, plants, mashrooms, sustainably hunted game and locally caught fish. These are joined by preserves, sourdough bread, ancestral wines, and animals that are consumed from nose to tail – products that would not be out of place in a trendy gastropub but which actually represent the way that Slovenians have thought about, produced and cooked their food for centuries.

The Michelin Guide team – in Michelin Guide 2023

STARS OF SUSTAINABILITY 🌿

Slovenia is committed to sustainability. It was the first country in the world that was given the title Green Destination. Tourism is developed in an environmental, visitor friendly and local community friendly way. As of 2023, the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the internationally recognised and multi-award-winning tool for sustainable tourism development in Slovenia, consists of more than 300 members. In September 2023, the Slovenian Tourist Board signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and committed itself to actively contribute to the fight against climate change and the attainment of climate targets by 2050.

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A CONSTELLATION OF STORIES

The online site Slovenia.info has fresh, rich, informative stories for you every month, which include the most beautiful locations in Slovenia, its destinations and attractions, novelties and tips for the most pristine and unforgettable experiences in Slovenia. Our stories are created in close cooperation with professionals and those who know tourism products best – everything from active outdoor experiences, self-indulgences and taking care of oneself in Slovenian SPAs, to city and cultural attractions and gastronomic delights. Go through some of the most interesting stories that were created in 2023.

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Slovenian Mountain Trail

Walk through Slovenia from the Pohorje Hills through the Alps and Karst to the coast.

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Slovenia, a treasure trove of literature

Discover Slovenia's literary, cultural and other artistic treasures.

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Creative art centres and venues

Some of the most exciting locations for lovers of art, culture and creative industries.

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Top spa pampering packages for women

Invite your girlfriends and enjoy some relaxing spa time.

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Charming old town centres of historic towns

Discover the old town centres of historic towns, living museums of time.

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Slovenians for a day – interesting facts, habits, traditions

Learn about the people of Slovenia and their customs and traditions.

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Why choose Slovenia for your honeymoon?

Romantic spots and unforgettable experiences for the most beautiful honeymoon in Slovenia.

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Exceptional Slovenian women

Exceptional and courageous Slovenian women in stories of unforgettable experiences.

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Top restaurants and accommodation under one roof

Top five restaurants where you can spend the night after dinner.

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Experiencing the regional heritage of green destinations

Local experiences in green destinations: authentic, educational, fun, sustainable.

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THE GALAXY #IFEELSLOVENIA

What does it mean to be a star in the galaxies of social media? For us, these are not just numbers and algorithms (despite being proud of more than 1.6 million followers of our profiles). These are stories that we know how to present in an innovative, informative, pristine, and visually amazing manner. They are enthusiastic responses and comments of people who are in love with Slovenia, just like us. They are iconic attractions and the most hidden corners that we discover and share together. Are you already following our publications under #ifeelsLOVEnia?

Wellbeing is of the utmost importance for freedivers. And I can’t imagine a better place to find it than at home, in Slovenia.

Alenka Artnik, multiple world record holder in freediving

Dive into the sea of wellbeing, which you can experience just like Artnik in the waters of Slovenia.

 

A CONSTELLATION OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Discover the most unique stories and experiences that you won't find anywhere else. Let yourself be inspired by the 5-star boutique experiences under the Slovenia Unique Experiences label. Here you can experience the uniqueness of Slovenia with all your senses and in an unforgettable way. In your own way. One of them is the Untouched by Light Experience – tasting a sparkling wine untouched by light, which received this year’s Sejalec Award.

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5*: NEW & RENOVATED ACCOMMODATIONS IN SLOVENIA 2023

An Alpine chalet on a hill that could easily become a Bond hideout. A conceptual boutique hotel in the heart of Ljubljana Old Town. A glamping site overlooking the Slovenian coastline, where everything is about wine. A renovated icon on the Portorož promenade. Or a homestead converted into a boutique hotel not far from Predjama Castle. Where will you stay overnight the next time you visit Slovenia? We're unveiling the latest and most exciting accommodation renovations and openings in Slovenia.

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STARS OF THE FEEL SLOVENIA PODCAST 🔊

We are constantly thinking about new ways of sharing the stories about Slovenia with audiences. In the global collection of podcasts, you can now listen to two provided by the Slovenian Tourist Board. In the Feel Slovenia podcast, the host, Dr Noah Charney, speaks to interesting people and together with them reveals inspiring stories about Slovenia, from traditions and special features, to stories about successful individuals.

Listen to the Feel Slovenia podcast

NFT GALAXIES OF THE FUTURE

Slovenia proved once again that it is an innovative and forward-looking destination that co-creates global trends, utilises new technologies and boldly enters the world of blockchain and metaverse. This year was also characterised by a very special event, the unique NFT experience in the Julian Alps. In the spring, the Ultimate Julian Alps Sensory Experience took the representatives of 15 renowned foreign media outlets into the heart of the Julian Alps. The holders of the exclusive NFT digital token, which was activated for the unique experience of the Julian Alps, were invited to the event. In an innovative way incorporating advanced technology, the project highlighted the importance of a responsible relationship towards nature by drawing attention to the issue of disappearing plant and animal species.

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A CONSTELLATION OF INFORMATION

For more information about Slovenia, specific activities, tourism products and destinations, there are several publications available to you. We are creating rich, informative print and digital publications for the general and business community, which we print or upload online. This year’s novelty is a rich publication, Slovenia, sport destination. You are most welcome to read it!

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STARS OF BUSINESS MEETINGS

Slovenia is a country of countless opportunities for networking and designing authentic and boutique programmes for travels, holidays and adventures. The calendar of business events was really full this year. On the home front, we highlight the Slovenian Incoming Workshop (SIW) and the Days of Slovenian Tourism, while this year’s WTM London was quite special among foreign fairs and workshops. Why? Slovenia was showcased there (and thrilled!) with the refreshed and upgraded image of the central exhibition space, which boasted modern LED panels showing first-class video content with AI elements.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Awards and accolades proudly received by the Slovenian Tourist Board in the year that is coming to an end.

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Video with Tadej Pogačar among the finalists of the prestigious New York festival

At the International TV & FILM Awards, a promotional video featuring Slovenian tourism ambassador Tadej Pogačar was among the finalists of the world's best tourism films.

Websi Digital Excellence Awards 2023

The projects "Choose a career in tourism" and "Unique experiences of Slovenia" were awarded by an expert jury at the Websi Digital Excellence Awards 2023 competition.

Slovenia Green documentary wins numerous awards

This year, the Slovenia Green documentary won the Gold Award in the tourism documentary category at the 5th World's Tourism Film Festival in Japan. This year, the film won 5 other professional awards.

Global Digital Campaign Awards

The Twitter Amplify Tour de France project, which took place as part of the Slovenian Tourist Board's Global Digital Campaign 2023, won a number of awards at international festivals – SoMo Global, BalCannes and others.

Three gold awards at the World Media Festival

Three projects won gold in Hamburg: The magazine guide to Slovenia. My way of experiencing the world., the Twitter Amplify Tour de France campaign, and the Feel sLOVEni@ Online Training.

SEMPL Gold Award for Slovenian Tourist Board Global Digital Campaign

The Twitter Amplify Tour de France project was awarded a golden "sampler" in the category of best social media campaign.

Texas Feels Slovenia with the Audience Award at Conventa

The Texas Feels Slovenia project was awarded 2nd place by the jury and 1st place by the public at the Conventa Best Event Award.

Presentation of Slovenia Unique Experiences with IGCAT Award

The slovenia.info portal with the content "Slovenia Unique Experiences" was ranked among the Top 10 Best Websites for Culinary Travellers in 2023 and was awarded the IGCAT Award.

Golden City Gate 2023

As part of the leading tourism trade fair ITB Berlin 2023, the Slovenian Tourist Board was awarded four gold and one silver prize for excellence for promotion and communication campaigns and tools in tourism in The Golden City Gate competition.

Slovenia is waiting for you to explore it. In your own way.

If you’re looking for that perfect green and safe oasis, you’ve come to the right place. Slovenia is the green heart of Europe, where everyone can find something for themselves. It’s difficult to find such a small region offering so much anywhere else in the world. Four different worlds are combined into a magnificent symphony that can be felt in culture, gastronomy and natural wonders. Whether you enjoy walking well-trodden paths or prefer to turn off the beaten track, you will find stunning beauty and boutique experiences tailored just for you everywhere you go.

We are ready to offer you the best we have. With a great deal of responsibility, your visit to Slovenia will be enjoyable and unforgettable.

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