| The impact of the conflict on tourism in Slovenia is limited in the short term, but in the medium and long term, according to the WTO, it will largely depend on the development of the security situation, the stability of air connections and the movement of energy prices. |
| The Slovenian Tourism Barometer, conducted by the Slovenian Tourist Organization (STO), shows that some stakeholders perceive greater interest in Slovenia, while others warn of slower bookings, cancellations of individual groups and a drop in demand in distant markets. "The biggest risk to the continuation of the season is the increase in fuel prices, higher air transport costs, possible disruptions in air availability and the impact of these factors on purchasing power and willingness to travel," they wrote for STA. Cost growth The increase in costs, which has been present since the covid-19 pandemic, is also highlighted by the Slovenian Chamber of Hospitality and Tourism (TGZS). On the one hand, employers have significantly improved working conditions in the industry, but at the same time the price of materials, services, energy and labor costs has increased, they wrote, adding that the wave of price increases due to the situation in the Middle East continues. The chamber, together with the Chamber of Crafts and Entrepreneurship, has sent proposals to the relevant ministries to help the tourism industry, such as reducing the VAT rate for tourism services. "Due to the expected, very likely scenario of reduced travel volume, we have also proposed increasing the STO's funds for promotion on the domestic market," the TGZS added. The STO explained that, given the current geopolitical situation, they have already started to further optimize their activities - reducing activities in distant markets and strengthening their presence in closer European and domestic markets. Last year, guests from the Middle East accounted for approximately three percent of all overnight stays by foreign tourists in Slovenia. Accommodation facilities recorded the highest number of arrivals and overnight stays from Israel and Turkey. Israeli guests achieved slightly more than 29,000 arrivals and 90,000 overnight stays, while guests from Turkey achieved 25,000 arrivals and 63,000 overnight stays. Greater interest from closer markets The STO emphasizes that Slovenia, as a green and safe country in the heart of Europe, has a good market position. Some stakeholders in Slovenian tourism therefore perceive increased interest from nearby European markets. "In general, guests remain cautious and often book closer to the travel date, which affects the predictability of demand," they added. In light of Brussels' call to reduce travel in order to avoid an energy crisis, the STO explains that they are monitoring the situation comprehensively, and remain focused on flexibility and timely response. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sports emphasizes that such calls could have a significant negative impact on Slovenia, as our tourism is strongly export-oriented. "Travel exports contribute more than 3.3 billion euros annually, so a potential reduction in travel would directly affect the tourism industry's revenues," they underlined. A large share of overnight stays in Slovenia are primarily accounted for by tourists from EU member states such as Germany, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Hungary. "If their visits were to decrease due to attractiveness or changes in travel habits, this could be felt by numerous stakeholders – from hoteliers and caterers to travel agencies and service providers in the local environment," they wrote for STA. |
