It is particularly important at a time of economic crisis to expand key markets. Slovenia has therefore strengthened its promotional activities in a number of markets, chiefly those close to home, as well as promising new markets further afield.

Slovenian tourism has already developed, and will continue to do so in the future, in the direction of non-mass tourism with a high degree of innovation and creativity, as well as added value. A major role has been and will be played here by the development of sustainable and eco tourism, which is a central thread running through the activities of the STB this and next year. Sustainable and eco tourism will be the main axis around which all the activities and tools of the STB are defined for developing and marketing Slovenia’s tourist facilities.

 

European tourists constitute more than 80% of arrivals of tourists in Slovenia. However, more distant markets, such as Japan, China, India, the US and Australia, are also gaining in importance. We saw increased guest arrivals in 2009 from Asia in particular; for example, the number of overnight stays by guests from China rose by 11% compared with 2008, and a 14% rise in the number of guests from Japan. The Asian market is gaining in importance for Slovenia, with tourists from Asia making up almost 6% of arrivals in 2009.
 

Exclusive Interview with

Mr. Dimitrij Piciga, Director General,

Slovenian Tourist Board - by www.BookMyHotel.biz