Slovenia targets Aussies

SLOVENIA is the hottest new destination in Europe, and authorities there have launched a concerted effort to attract more Australian visitors.

Yesterday a high level delegation including Slovenia’s Minister for Economic Development, Zdravko Pocivalsek, and Maja Pak, director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, took part in the country’s first Australian workshop in Sydney.

“We feel Slovenia has the right profile for this market,” Pak told Travel Daily, with the country touting its green, active, healthy and sustainable tourism offerings.

She said until recently Slovenian tourism had targeted European visitors but was now setting its sights on long-haul markets including Australia.

Last year Australian visitors to the country were up 20% and it’s felt there is significantly more potential - particularly with Emirates now offering non-stop flights from Dubai to Zagreb, which is about two hours’ drive from Slovenia.

Slovenia is also easily accessible from Venice, with the country described as the “green heart of Europe” connecting the Alps to the Mediterranean.

As well as several dignitaries, the Slovenian Tourism Workshop featured representatives of hotel groups, DMCs and attractions including the iconic Ljubljana Castle - more from the event on page eight of Travel Daily today.