The Sustainable Development Strategy for Slovenian Tourism 2017-2021 was adopted by the country’s government on October 5, reads a statement.

After hitting record numbers in 2015 and 2016, Slovenia maintained an upward trend in its tourism segment. Thus, in January-August, 3.38mn tourists visited Slovenia, 14.8% up in annual terms. They recorded 8.8mn overnight stays in tourist accommodation in the country, which is 12% more than in the same period last year.

The government said on October 5 that the strategy is focused on a scenario of accelerated tourism development, and is designed to achieve 5mn to 5.5mn tourist arrivals as well as 16mn to 18mn overnight stays.

Slovenian government also plans to reach a currency inflow of €3.7bn to €4bn by 2021 thanks to tourism.

The government wants to brand Slovenia as “a global green boutique destination for demanding guests who are seeking a diverse and active experience, peace and personal well-being”. 

According to the newly adopted strategy, other goals are to open 8,000 to 22,000 new tourist rooms, of which 8,500 will be renovated and 6,500 new, in the hotel sector, as well to increase full-time employment in the tourism sector from 8,000 to 12,000 employees.

The strategy for 2017-2021 is based on past experiences and the development specifics of Slovenian tourism, the development of competitive advantages and the promotion of systemic solutions in this area, the effective linking of national, local, regional and entrepreneurial interests in the area of development of tourism, the promotion of global, national and local tourism products, where Slovenia has noticeable competitive advantages, and on the understanding and introduction of modern management methods and techniques in the area of strategic planning and focusing of companies’ competitive networks, reads the government’s October 5 statement.