Slovenia

Ljubljana – Slovenian tourism is currently successfully recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic but there are many uncertainties about the autumn and winter ahead, Maja Pak, the head of the Slovenian Tourism Board (STO), told the STA. Still, the industry is united about the future course – attracting more demanding guests and offering high quality products.

Ljubljana – President Borut Pahor underlined the role of the EU as the champion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law as he addressed a memorial ceremony to mark the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of all Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes on Tuesday. A minute of silence was held at the National Assembly.

Ljubljana – Panč, a festival of stand-up comedy, kicks off at Ljubljana Castle on Sunday bringing performances by 31 comedians from Europe, Asia and Africa.

Slovenian stand-up comedy mainstays such as Martina Ipša, Perica Jerković, Boris Kobal, Lucija Ćirović, Admir Baltić and Tilen Artač are among the line-up.

Ljubljana – The German-based Scope ratings agency has affirmed A/Stable long-term credit ratings for Slovenia. Slovenia is a wealthy and resilient economy with favourable market access and debt profile, and a prudent fiscal policy, but it faces limited energy diversification, high public debt, labour market rigidities and weak demographics.

Ljubljana – Slovenian secondary school student Benjamin Bajd has won a gold medal at the 34th International Olympiad in Informatics in Indonesia in competition of 349 students from 88 countries. This is the first gold medal for Slovenia since the country has started participating in the annual competitive programming event.

Ljubljana – The newspaper Dnevnik raises the issue of illegal camping by camper vans in Ljubljana in Tuesday’s commentary headlined When Tourist Sleeps Under Your Window. It says the authorities should crack down on the practice.

Dobrna – Terme Dobrna, a spa in north-eastern Slovenia, has reported a net profit of EUR 892,000 for 2021, which compares to EUR 248,000 the year before. Net sales revenue increased by 26% to EUR 11.1 million. In the report, Terme Dobrna director Leon Tomašić stressed the spa had recovered after the Covid-19 pandemic, including because Slovenian tourists preferred to vacate closer to home.

Ljubljana/Maribor/Koper/Bled – Tourism workers all over Slovenia are busy as a bee since this year’s peak tourist season has seen figures either closing in on the pre-Covid levels or even surpassing them. The coast, the capital, mountainous regions and several spa resorts have hit new post-pandemic highs.

Ljubljana/Rome – Italy’s allegations about Slovenia’s violations of EU legislation on geographically protected balsamic vinegar are unfounded, the Slovenian Agriculture Ministry told the STA on Thursday as it responded to recent reports that the Italian government is demanding infringement proceedings against Slovenia.

Ljubljana – The value of industrial production was down 0.2% in June compared to May, driven by declines in all relevant fields. It continued to increase year-on-year though, as it was 0.8% higher than in June 2021. The value in the first half of the year was also 2.9% higher on the annual level, the Statistics Office said on Wednesday.