Slovenia sports an incredible natural diversity unmatched in many countries twice its size. It’s the only European country which connects the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst, and the Pannonian Plain in manageable distances. Powerful waterfalls, mighty peaks, picturesque landscapes, dreamy meadows, breathtaking underground mysteries, sweeping vineyards, and lovely coastline are just some of the attractions enveloped into our tiny country.
This rather petite territory boasts of such a variety of landscape features, that it gives an impression of a mosaic, composed of most diverse and attractive sections of natural scenery, interesting for incentive experiences and variety of MICE related activities.
Slovenia offers an outstanding patchwork of biological, geographical and cultural diversity, with dozens of major natural assets and items of significant European cultural heritage and UNESCO world heritage sites. Almost 50 % of Slovenia’s territory is covered by protected natural areas, and almost 15,000 aspects of the country’s nature have been awarded the status “valuable natural feature”. The UNESCO World Heritage List is of the utmost importance for cultural and natural heritage. Three Slovenian gems shine on the global map of 1,000 heritage units: Škocjan Caves as a unique natural monument, the prehistoric pile-dwellings around the Alps and the heritage of Mercury in Idrija. In addition to the central sites of special interest, the World Heritage Site Tentative List includes Classic Karst and Fužina Hills in Bohinj.
Special Interest Tourism is growing in relevance – not only in the field of tourism but also in the MICE industry. Passive business trips are out! Today’s clients and delegates are more demanding than ever, knowledgeable, eco-conscious, nature conservationists, authenticity seekers coveting something new, experiences off the beaten track. Nature combined with business presents an excellent alternative to mundane meetings, events and incentives. And what better destination than the incredibly diverse Slovenia! With distances so small, in a single day you could be attending a meeting session in the morning, sampling outstanding local wines over lunch in the afternoon enveloped by vibrant picturesque landscapes, SUP paddling through the European Green Capital or perhaps even sailing the Adriatic Sea. If adrenaline isn’t your cup of tea, you can always try your hand at snow golf or relax in one of our prime thermal and spa resorts. Here, we promise you’ll feel 25!
Slovenia has strong appeal for incentive experiences – there are limitless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, everything from white-water rafting, kayaking and canyoning, to cross-country cycling through rolling hills and forests, or skiing, climbing, hiking, snow-shoeing, night-time sledging, snow rafting, carving ice sculptures, constructing igloos in the Alps.
This year, Slovenia hosted one of the most important associations in the global MICE segment, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) which made a positive impact in Slovenia as an emerging incentive destination.
“Green, my favourite colour. The authenticity of the people and the beauty of the nature.” Kevin Hinton, CEO, SITE; on three things about Slovenia.
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[Partial sources: www.slovenia.si, www.slovenia.info, photo: Jošt Gantar, www.slovenia.info]
