Excellent data of Slovenian tourism in first seven months

Slovenian tourism recorded excellent data on number of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals and their overnight stays in the first seven months of year 2015. From January to July, Slovenia recorded 12% more tourist arrivals and 8% more overnight stays than in the same period in 2014.

Eva Štravs Podlogar, Director General for Tourism and Internationalisation at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology comments: “The Ministry is happy with the results, and the indicators of the successful summer tourist season and tourist achievements. It inspires us with optimism and expectations that we might talk about 2015 as a record year for Slovenian tourism. We are even more optimistic after 2 recent events, the Panel on Tourism at the Bled Strategic Forum and the second meeting of the tourism summit of the 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). All the conversations emphasised cooperation and integration, which are crucial for Slovenian, European and global tourism. Together with the Slovenian Tourist Board, we will work hard to take advantage of all opportunities.”

Mag. Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board: “The excellent data of Slovenian tourism in the first seven months predicts a successful tourist year. Without a doubt, the effective implementation of promotional activities this year has enhanced the visibility of Slovenia as a tourist destination. The Slovenian Tourist Board is intensively preparing for the next period. Together with the support of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, and in cooperation with Slovenian tourism industry and other key partners, we will present our country to foreign target audiences through innovative and effective marketing channels as the green, active and healthy heart of Europe.”

Temporary tourist data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia show a 8.1% higher number of tourist overnight stays in the first seven months of this year, compared to the same period in 2014. The total number of tourists in this period has grown by 12%. The number of foreign tourist arrivals increased by 13% and the number of their overnight stays by 9%. There were, by 9%, more domestic tourists, and they generated 6% more overnight stays than in the first seven months of 2014. Together, foreign visitors made 86% of all tourist arrivals and 62% of overnight stays.

The key markets, regarding the number of overnight stays, were Italy (14.4%), Austria (12%), Germany (10.3%), Croatia (6%) and the Netherlands (4.8%).

Between January and July 2015, Slovenia recorded a growth in the number of overnight stays of outbound markets from Austria (7% more overnight stays), Italy (10% more overnight stays) and Germany (9% more overnight stays). Tourists from the United Kingdom recorded 18% and tourists from Ireland 33% more overnight stays. Slovenia also recorded a growth in the number of overnight stays from neighbouring countries: Croatia (by 14%) and Hungary (by 6%). A trend in growth in overnight stays continues from the countries of Eastern Europe: the Czech Republic (by 11%), Estonia (by 19%), Latvia (by 14%), Lithuania (by 88%), Poland (by 9%), Romania (by 27%), Bulgaria (by 9%) and Slovakia (by 15%). Slovenia recorded 9% more overnight stays from Serbian visitors. There is a positive trend in the increased number of overnight stays of tourists from Scandinavian countries: Sweden (increased by 9%), Norway (by 45%) and Denmark (by 1%). Guests from Finland generated 22% and guests from the Netherlands 8% more overnight stays.

Slovenia records a positive trend in the increased number of overnight stays and arrivals from overseas markets. In the first seven months of year 2015, there was an increase in the number of tourists from Japan (by 8%), China (by 52%), Republic of Korea (by 55%), Brazil (by 19%), the United States of America (by 18.5%) and Canada (by 18%).

The highest number of tourist arrivals was recorded in Slovenian mountain resorts (33%). Spa and health resorts recorded the highest number of overnight stays in Slovenia (30%). The highest increase in tourist arrivals, compared to the same period in 2014, was generated in Ljubljana (increased by 20%). The capital also recorded the highest increase in overnight stays (by 19%).

According to the World Tourism Organization, there was a 4.9% growth in tourism arrivals in Europe in the period from January until April. It will range between 3-4% annually, according to a prediction from the beginning of the year. With a 13% growth in international tourist arrivals in the first 4 months of 2015, Slovenian tourism ranks above the average forecast and the actual growth in international tourist arrivals in Europe.

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