3% increase in tourist arrivals in the first eight months

In the first eight months of 2014, the number of tourist arrivals increased by 3% compared to the same period last year. The number of foreign tourist arrivals increased by 6%, while the number of their overnight stays increased by 1%.

In the first eight months, the number of foreign tourists increased by 6% compared to the same period last year, while the number of their overnight stays increased by 1%. In the summer tourist season (from June to August), the number of foreign tourists increased by 5.4%, while their overnight stays increased by 1%. In the first eight months of 2014, around two thirds of all overnight stays were overnight stays of foreign tourists (64%).

From January to August, the highest number of overnight stays of foreign tourists (15%) was recorded for Italian tourists. They were followed by German tourists (11% of all overnight stays of foreign tourists). Austrian tourists took third place with 11%, followed by Dutch tourists in fourth place (6% of all overnight stays of foreign tourists). In fifth place there were tourists from the Russian Federation (6% of all overnight stays of foreign tourists), followed by tourists from Croatia (5%) and the United Kingdom (4% of all overnight stays of foreign tourists).

The upward trend of overnight stays of tourists from important markets for Slovenian tourism continues in 2014: the number of overnight stays of Italian tourists increased by 3%, of German tourists by 1% and of Austrian tourists by 5%. High growth rates were recorded in the number of overnight stays of visitors from promising and overseas markets, namely from Korea (by 132%), China (by 18%), Japan (by 6%), USA (by 6%) and Australia (by 6%), as well as from Eastern European countries, such as Poland (by 19%), Bulgaria (by 15%), Romania (by 4%), the Czech Republic (by 2%) and Slovakia (by 16%). The number of overnight stays of tourists from Hungary (by 14%), France (by 5%) and Luxembourg (by 22%) also increased.

Domestic tourists

The first eight months of the year marked a 4% decrease in domestic tourist arrivals and a 5% decrease in their overnight stays compared to the same period last year. Domestic tourists still generate 36% of all overnight stays in Slovenia and are therefore still an important emitting market for Slovenian tourism. Slovenian tourism also shows signs of a trend towards shorter stays of domestic tourists which corresponds to the general trend in tourism towards shorter stays at European destinations.

Marjan Hribar, Director General of Tourism and Internationalisation Directorate, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology: "Provisional data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia show that the number of foreign tourists increased by almost 6% and the number of their overnight stays by more than 1% compared to the same period last year. These are good data. We are aware that these are only physical indicators; however, they also are monitored and analysed by UNWTO, Eurostat and OECD. Unfortunately, mountain regions, camps and tourist destination that attract predominantly one-day guests and tourists on excursions have been hit by this year`s very changeable and dull summer weather, therefore recording a slightly lower number of visits and poorer financial indicators. Tourism is an industry that quickly reacts to changes in environment (weather conditions, unrest, and uncertainty); however, it can rapidly adjust and recover. We are happy to see that the number of tourists from remote countries (e.g. Korea, South and North America, China) is increasing in Slovenia. We are thus optimistic about the upcoming years."

Karmen Novarlič, Head of Tourism Division, SPIRIT Slovenia: "Tourism industry will remember this year`s summer tourist season for changeable and rainy weather, which unfortunately negatively influenced financial results achieved during the summer tourist season. Predominantly rainy weather in summer months had an effect on the number of arrivals, overnight stays and the duration of stays of tourists, and consequently their spending. Therefore, a majority of Slovenian tourist destinations recorded less successful or just as successful tourist season as last year; however, it should be mentioned that 2013 was a record year for Slovenian tourism with the highest number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays. The fact is that this year Slovenian tourism industry is also facing more difficult economic conditions on the domestic market and growing competition on foreign markets. Tourism industry is facing weaker economic conditions, therefore we need to perform a self-analysis and, most of all start a dialogue between public and private industry in order to achieve desired placement of Slovenia as a national trade mark. SPIRIT Slovenia Tourism Division intensified its activities on key Italian, Austrian and German markets, which resulted in the expected positive trend of tourist arrivals and overnight stays of tourists from these markets, which are of key importance for Slovenian tourism. It made a right decision to strengthen promotion activities on overseas markets, which show high growth potential in the future, especially Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan. In the upcoming year, the activities of SPIRIT Slovenia Tourism Division will continue to target key and promising markets for Slovenian tourism, on which we present Slovenia as a green, active and healthy country in cooperation with Slovenian tourism industry and other key partners."

Statistics from Slovenian tourist destinations

Ljubljana

According to Ljubljana Tourism, July and August marked a record number of overnight stays in Ljubljana. In August, 95,783 overnight stays were recorded, which is 10.7% more than in the same period last year. According to Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre, 674,302 overnight stays in Ljubljana were recorded in eight months, which is 5% more than in the same period last year. During both summer months, various events were organised on city streets, markets and other venues in Ljubljana.

Bled

According to Bled Tourism, rainy weather greatly influenced the number of arrivals and overnight stays of tourists in Bled. Data show that in June, a 5% increase was recorded compared to 2013. Overnight stays of foreign tourists in Bled amounted to 95 %. They were mostly from Italy, Germany and Great Britain, followed by Dutch, American and Asian tourists.

Bohinj

It is estimated that a 15% decrease will be recorded in August compared to last year. Bad weather also influenced the number of visitors in September: a 5–10% decrease in the number of visitors is estimated compared to September last year. Even though the number of visitors decreased, guests and tourist providers are satisfied, since Bohinj this year offered guests pristine nature.

Maribor

According to Tourist Information Centre Maribor, good results are expected for the period from January to June in terms of the number of visits to TIC Maribor and the Old Vine House. This year`s weather had no effect on the number of arrivals. According to TIC Maribor, most foreign tourists are Austrians, Germans and Italians. In June and July 2014, the Spanish were in third place in terms of visits to TIC. Their number grew by 60% compared to 2013. In August 2014, Germans took third place, whose number grew by 10% compared to last year.

Portorož and Piran

According to Tourist Board Portorož, the August results were 1% better than last year. In August, hotels in the Municipality of Piran recorded 183,764 overnight stays, which is 1% more than in August last year. Foreign tourists generated 80% of all overnight stays, which is similar to 2013. From June to August, hotels recorded 475,124 overnight stays, which is about the same as during the summer season last year. Even though the weather was bad, good results prove that investments in promotion activities paid off and that these destinations offer many alternative tourist products, not just beaches. Domestic tourists created a quarter of all overnight stays. Most foreign tourists were Italians, Austrians, Germans and Russians. Foreign tourists accounted for around 70% of all overnight stays.

Slovenian natural spas

According to Slovenian Spas Association, in July and August, Slovenian natural spas recorded weaker results than in the same period last year. The weather also took its toll. Unlike other tourist products in Slovenia, a very high proportion of domestic guests (53.1%) negatively influenced the results. However, the number of foreign guests increased (by 1.2% in the first eight months). Autumn programs will focus on wellness services, mainly on medical wellness. They will offer disease prevention programs, including preventive programs, programs for maintaining health, active and healthy relaxation, and autumn culinary programs.

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