Slovenian Tourism Successfully Strengthens Year-Round Tourism, with Particularly Strong Growth in Mountain Destinations

Mountain municipalities stood out most prominently among the destinations. Data from the Bank of Slovenia also indicate continued growth in travel export revenue. Slovenia is successfully pursuing one of its key strategic objectives: developing sustainable, year-round tourism, with visitor flows distributed more evenly across destinations and throughout the year.

More Than 7 Million Overnight Stays in the First Half of the Year

According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SURS), tourist accommodation establishments in Slovenia recorded nearly 3 million tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2026, representing a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. During this period, tourists generated more than 7 million overnight stays, or 5.7% more than in the first half of 2025.

Growth continues to be driven primarily by international visitors, who generated more than 5.2 million overnight stays in the first half of 2026, an increase of 6.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. Overnight stays by international visitors accounted for 71% of all overnight stays. Tourists from Germany generated the highest number of overnight stays, followed by visitors from Italy and Austria. The most visited municipalities were Ljubljana, Piran and Bled.

Domestic tourists generated just over 2.1 million overnight stays during this period, 2.8% more than in the same period last year. Their most frequently visited destinations were Piran, Kranjska Gora and Brežice. Among all domestic and international tourist arrivals, the largest share was recorded in the 35–44 age group, while tourists aged 65 and over generated the highest number of overnight stays in the first half of the year.

The successful distribution of tourist flows throughout the year remains one of the most important indicators of the development of Slovenian tourism. Extending the tourism season is one of the sector’s key strategic objectives, and the data show that this direction is increasingly being realised. Last year, the highest growth rates were recorded in the spring and autumn months: nearly 12% in May and June combined, almost 11% in September and nearly 10% in October. The positive trend has continued this year. According to accommodation statistics, May and June together generated 5.4% more overnight stays than in the same period last year.

Mountain Destinations Record the Strongest Growth

Mountain municipalities continue to stand out among Slovenia’s destinations this year. In June, they generated nearly 731,000 overnight stays, accounting for 37% of all overnight stays in Slovenia that month.

Mountain municipalities also recorded the highest number of overnight stays in the first half of the year, with 2.1 million, representing 29% of all overnight stays in Slovenia. Visitor numbers increased by 11% compared with the same period last year, the highest year-on-year growth among all municipality types. The most visited mountain destinations were Bled, Bohinj and Kranjska Gora. Last year, approximately 5.5 million tourist overnight stays were generated in Slovenia’s mountain municipalities, accounting for 31% of all overnight stays in the country.

Spa municipalities also accounted for a significant share of tourist visits, generating 1.6 million overnight stays. Visitor numbers remained relatively evenly distributed throughout the first half of the year. This type of municipality generally records a fairly consistent level of visits throughout the year.

Growth in Travel Exports

The positive results are also confirmed by data from the Bank of Slovenia. Between January and May, the value of travel exports reached EUR 1.17 billion, representing growth of 6.2% compared with the same period in 2025.

Slovenia Inspires Visitors with Diverse and Attractive Experiences

Climate change is transforming travel habits and creating new opportunities for Slovenia. Visitors are increasingly seeking nature, active holidays, higher-altitude destinations, more pleasant summer temperatures and less crowded places.

International studies have identified the growing trend of coolcation, with travellers increasingly choosing destinations offering more greenery, water and natural freshness during the summer months. Slovenia has an important competitive advantage in this regard. Within a relatively small area, it combines the Alps, lakes, rivers, forests, thermal waters, karst landscapes, countryside and the coast, offering a wide variety of experiences even during periods of higher temperatures.

This trend is not merely about searching for cooler places, but reflects a broader shift in the way people travel. Visitors are increasingly looking for authentic experiences, contact with nature, less crowded destinations and higher-quality ways of spending their leisure time.

The results from the first half of the year confirm that Slovenia is successfully strengthening its position as a green, active and responsible year-round destination. Growth in tourist visits during the pre- and post-season, together with increasing interest in mountain and nature-based destinations, demonstrates that the development and promotional priorities of Slovenian tourism are aligned with new travel habits and visitor expectations.

Sources: Bank of Slovenia, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, retrieved from NiST

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