Maribor, Štajerska and Pohorje Take the Global Stage at Expo 2025 Osaka
Under the auspices of SPIRIT Slovenia and the national brand I feel Slovenia, Maribor – together with the Štajerska and Pohorje regions—is proudly representing Slovenia at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Over the next two weeks, Slovenia’s second-largest city will showcase itself to a global audience as a vibrant, sustainable and safe destination offering a high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, exquisite gastronomy and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Slovenia’s presence at Expo is coordinated by the Slovenian Tourist Board, which weaves together the country’s key tourism stories under the I feel Slovenia umbrella. Regional showcases form an essential part, beginning with Maribor, Štajerska and Pohorje – highlighting themes of green tourism, culture and culinary excellence.
Jure Struc, Director of the Maribor Tourist Board, emphasized the significance of this moment: "The two-week spotlight on Maribor at Expo 2025 Osaka offers a tremendous opportunity to elevate our international profile. We aim to present Maribor as a model of sustainable and innovative urban development. Being part of one of the world’s largest cultural events reflects the values we stand for – openness, collaboration and forward-thinking. Through our unique heritage, the pristine Pohorje forests, and the iconic Old Vine story, we hope to attract global visitors and foster new business partnerships."
The Maribor delegation kicked off the exhibition with energy and purpose. Their first day featured a key meeting with Croatian representatives, where both sides expressed a strong intent to jointly explore emerging Asian tourism markets. The official opening of the Slovenian Pavilion, led by Slovenian Ambassador Jurij Rifelj, Commissioner General Saša Leban and the Maribor delegation, was a standout moment. The team also engaged with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović and the Serbian delegation, reinforcing regional solidarity by attending the openings of the Ukrainian and San Marino pavilions together. Additional visits to the pavilions of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Germany, and the Netherlands – as well as an insightful introduction to the revolutionary ITER energy project –rounded out the day's activities.
Saša Arsenovič, Mayor of Maribor, captured the city’s aspirations: "The Expo is a crucible of ideas, a birthplace of partnerships and a glimpse into our shared future. Maribor, as Slovenia’s second-largest city, is seizing this opportunity to shine as a hub of innovation, green technology, education and sustainable living. The Expo 2025 theme – ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’ – aligns beautifully with our commitment to smart, inclusive urban growth. Our bond with Japan runs deep too, as the Old Vine’s descendants grow in Inuyama National Park and Katsunuma, testifying to our enduring connections and global spirit."
The Maribor delegation will continue its active engagement with planned meetings involving Korea, Malaysia and Hungary, along with tours of some of the Expo’s most visionary pavilions.
Source: Maribor Tourist Board
Photos: Maribor Tourist Board, Municipality of Maribor
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