🌿  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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top 10 sights

Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!

Top 10 sights

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10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024

10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024.

10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024

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Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Spas and health resorts

Spas and health resorts

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

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Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

Pannonian Slovenia – a place to relax in natural spas, try prekmurska gibanica and meet the storks.

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

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Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.

Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia

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Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

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The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

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Stories from Slovenia

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