In the first six months of 2024, tourist arrivals (103,500) and the number of overnight stays (236,000) in Maribor grew by 4% compared to the same period last year. The ratio of domestic to foreign overnight stays was 11:89, with the highest number of overnight stays generated by tourists from Germany, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The average length of stay is 2.3 days.
With its favourable location at the crossroads of important European routes and the natural features that surround it, Maribor is a destination for both discerning visitors exploring on their own, with their families or in small groups, as well as a frequent stopover for transit tourists. The tourist offer of the city and its surroundings is based on three key products – culture, wine and cuisine, and outdoor activities.
Jure Struc, Director of the Maribor Tourist Board, says: “In the first six months of the year, we are maintaining the momentum of last year’s outstanding tourist year, and we expect a similar trend for the rest of the year. The half-yearly balance shows, for example, a weaker winter season, the return of Italian tourists, as well as more interest from domestic visitors. But the good results are not only reflected in the numbers, but above all in the quality, authentic, year-round offer, in line with the needs and interests of tourists and the local population. That is why we are implementing a number of actions in cooperation with Maribor’s tourism stakeholders to improve the experience of our guests, the most recent ones being the city’s KAM events calendar, encouraging cultural institutions to open on Sundays and training new local tourist guides.”
Maribor is a rising hub for meetings, events and incentives
In addition to the positive trends in tourism, Maribor is increasingly positioning itself as a prime destination for the meetings and events industry. The city’s strategic location and connectivity make it an attractive venue for international conferences, corporate events, incentives and exhibitions. With the re-opening of new modern event spaces and facilities, Maribor offers a range of options for hosting large-scale gatherings as well as intimate meetings. The collaboration between Visit Maribor and local businesses has resulted in tailored packages that include venue hire, accommodation, and unique local experiences, enhancing the appeal of Maribor for event organizers and participants alike.
Maribor Tourist Guide Service with a new set of local tourist guides
The Maribor Tourism Institute, in cooperation with the Higher Vocational School of Catering and Tourism Maribor, has conducted training for local tourist guides in the tourist area of the Municipality of Maribor. Since June, the Maribor tourist guide service has been enriched by 17 new guides, three of whom have obtained a licence for an additional foreign language. In the first half of this year, 205 organised tourist guided tours were conducted in Maribor, which is about 10% more than in the same period last year.
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