The Slovenian government has defined tourism as one of its five strategic sectors. “Due to our attractive and diverse tourism products and other potential that Slovenia has, I strongly believe our country will become not only a desired destination for short trips, but a popular tourist destination with the varied offer on the coast, in the mountains, cities, health resorts and thermal spas being the most important part of Slovenian tourism”, said the minister of economic development and technology Zdravko Počivalšek. Discussing the importance and future opportunities of the travel and tourism industry for Slovenia’s economy at the 2015 ITB Berlin, he stated:
“The Slovenian Government defines tourism as an important economic and strategic sector that generates new jobs and has an extremely positive impact on balanced regional development. In the years to come – and in light of the present level of development of Slovenian tourism and the existing development potential – tourism will become a highly relevant part of the Slovenian economy and will make a significant contribution to achieving Slovenia’s development goals. Within this framework, it will also contribute to attaining the country’s economic objectives, such as competitiveness, GDP growth, employment growth, sustainable development, regional development, better quality of life and well-being of its population, reinforcement of cultural identity and an increase in Slovenia’s recognition in the world. We stimulate innovation, creativity in tourism and the development of new, attractive tourist products and services of high quality. We strongly believe we have great potential to develop into one of the most popular tourist destinations on the global map.”