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Luka Koper Marks 20 Years of Cruise Tourism with the Opening of a Modern Passenger Terminal

Luka Koper Marks 20 Years of Cruise Tourism with the Opening of a Modern Passenger Terminal

Twenty years after the arrival of the first cruise ship in Koper, the city has proudly unveiled its latest addition: a brand-new passenger terminal. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed by Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratušek, Mayor of the Municipality of Koper Aleš Bržan, Nevenka Kržan, Luka Koper CEO, and Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

The modern terminal is built to serve both function and community. It provides a visitor-friendly experience for cruise passengers and meets international port safety standards, while also being thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings. Connecting the historic old town with the sea, the new terminal enhances not only operational capacity for port services but also offers improved conditions for government and support agencies. A portion of the building is designed to remain open to the public, creating a new coastal meeting point for locals.

 

MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, echoed the importance of the new terminal in her address: “This terminal reflects the strategic direction of Slovenian tourism – aiming to create higher added value for all stakeholders. It raises the quality of services for cruise passengers, encourages greater spending, and enhances the visibility of Koper and Slovenia as cruise destinations.”

She added: “Koper is the gateway, but Slovenia is the destination – rich in content and firmly focused on responsible development of cruise tourism. We prioritise quality, authenticity, and sustainability, offering experiences with strong local character that respect both nature and community.”

In celebration of 20 years of cruise tourism in Koper, an open-air photo exhibition by local photographer Jaka Ivančič has also been opened in partnership with the Slovenian Tourist Board and the Koper Institute for Youth, Culture and Tourism. The exhibition, displayed at the Luka Koper Gallery, showcases the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia, the Slovenian Istria, and the Karst – highlights often explored by cruise guests.

 

 

The new terminal building spans 1,037 square metres across two floors and is built with sustainability in mind – featuring energy-efficient systems and recyclable materials like wood and metal. The ground floor houses border control, customs, and police services, while the upper level includes a panoramic terrace, café and protocol hall with views of the port. The surrounding area has been landscaped in a Mediterranean style, including a green façade and decorative vegetation.

Source: Luka Koper
Photo: Jakob B.

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e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

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