The holiday destination of Slovenia continues to be trendy: in 2013 international arrivals increased by 4.4 percent and the number of overnight stays by 2.8 percent compared with the previous year. Overall, arrivals of domestic and foreign guests were positive with an increase of 2.3 percent.
After particularly positive results in 2012, another increase was recorded: 11.4 percent of all international holidaymakers came from the Federal Republic of Germany – in the months of May, June, and September Germans were leading among foreign guests. Arrivals between January and December 2013 were up by 1.4 percent. Germany is ranking third following Austria and Italy as the most important source market.
Majda Dolenc, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board in Germany, is happy about the additional rise in the number of visitors: “Already in 2012 we recorded a plus of 5.7 percent in international guests and a good 8.7 percent more holidaymakers from Germany. Slovenia continues to gain popularity, so we are quite happy to continue the positive development of the past few years, and to record another increase in visitors for 2013. It comes as no surprise, for nowhere else in Europe will you find the Alps and the sea so close together.”
The tourist year 2014 bears the motto “Slovenia – Shrouded in Legend” and is indeed all about legends and stories around the country and its people. The capital of Ljubljana is all about its Roman past this year: on the 2000th anniversary of ancient Emonoa – today located in the city center of Ljubljana – numerous events, exhibitions, and theater performances take visitors on a journey to the year 14 A.D. Under the motto of “So?a, do tell!”, So?a valley and its emerald white water river invite guests to actively discover the Isonzo Front (Slovenian: So?a Front) one century after World War I.
Also in 2014, the diverse country at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian Basin, with its green nature, sustainable and theme-oriented offers, attracts active holidaymakers, sun-lovers, culture enthusiasts, gourmets, and sport fans. Hikers, cyclists, and other active holidaymakers appreciate the Julian Alps in the country’s north as a natural paradise to enjoy year round and the cities on the Adriatic coast with their Venetian charm are an El Dorado for sun-seekers and water sport fans. The lively metropolis of Ljubljana and the historical cities of Maribor, Ptuj or Škofja Loka offer attractive cultural events and musical festivals of the highest international rank, architectural gems and century-old history. Those seeking to relax body and mind, feel particularly at home in Slovenian Styria with excellent wine tasting and a walk through the Tuscany-like landscape.
A major asset of Slovenia is its easy accessibility: three times per day, the state-owned airline Adria Airways leaves Munich and Frankfurt directly for the country’s capital of Ljubljana. To cater to the increased demand on the route Frankfurt-Ljubljana the capacity was increased from 86 to 144 seats for all morning flights. In addition, the airline has expanded its route network and now offers six flights per week from Munich to the Polish city of ?ód?, four flights per week from Frankfurt to the Albanian capital of Tirana, four flights per week from Ljubljana to Prague, and three flights per week to the Polish capital of Warsaw and back. Those who want to arrive at the airport in a particularly relaxed and comfortable state may choose the inexpensive Rail & Fly tickets, which Adria Airways offers in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn.
Visit Slovenia, www.slovenia.info