2021 IBU World Championships Biathlon in Pokljuka

Pokljuka is one of the traditional venues for the biggest biathlon competitions, as it has hosted World Cups, European and World Championships for over thirty years. This year, Pokljuka is celebrating the 20th anniversary of organizing the World Biathlon Championships.

Interest in the broadcast is extremely high this year. More than 130 million viewers worldwide are expected to watch the competition. It will be broadcast live in 22 countries, including Austria, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, the Russian Federation, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, China and the United States. Also the media has shown a great interest: more than 150 journalists have confirmed their participation.

The Slovenian Tourist Board sees major international sporting events as an excellent opportunity for promoting the country as an attractive tourist destination, suitable for active holidays, sports preparations and organisation of the most demanding sporting events. Sporting events showcase unique natural landscape of Slovenia, which inspires active holidays enthusiasts to visit the country. Thus, the STB has participated in major sporting events for years.

As part of the World Biathlon Championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia will present itself as an attractive winter destination to millions of spectators around theworld. For this particular reason, a promotional video prepared by the STB will be shown. Additionally, Slovenia will also be exposed in the communicational activities and on social networks, paying special attention to foreign and domestic media representatives.

Sustainability is one of the leading themes of this year's World Cup in Pokljuka. The International Biathlon Federation (IBU) has decided to take the “green” path and put together the Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, which aims to make biathlon a leader in the field of sustainability in sports. "Pokljuka without plastic" is a slogan of the event and at the same time a pilot project aiming to reduce the use of single-use plastic products at mass events. Sustainable orientation of the competition strengthens Slovenia's reputation as a sustainable destination.

Active holidays and sports tourism play a major role in Slovenia's tourism industry. Top Slovenian athletes enormously contribute to the country's visibility, as they inspire millions of sports enthusiasts and active individuals around the world. This year, the STB has upgraded partnerships with with globally known Slovenian athletes: cyclist Tadej Pogačar has joined Primož Roglič and Luka Dončić.

More than 300 elite athletes from 38 countries are expected to compete in 12 events during the World Championships. With no fans able to attend due to COVID-19 health protocols, an even greater emphasis has been placed on ensuring the very best viewer experience. This year, Pokljuka is covered in snow, which makes the venue a real fairy-tale snow idyll, but the atmosphere created by the cheering loyal fans will definitely be missing.

Further information is available here.

Source: biathlonworld.com & www.pokljuka2021.si

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