Minister Palkovics calls for strengthening Hungarian, Slovenian economic ties – UPDATE

The traditional Slovenia Tourism Promotion Event organised by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) is taking place today in Budapest. Representatives of the Slovenian and Hungarian tourism industry and numerous Hungarian media representatives were addressed by Marjan Šarec, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who highlighted the fact that 24% more Hungarian tourists visited Slovenia in 2018 than in the previous year.

Prime Minister Šarec attended the Slovenian business and tourist event as part of his first official meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, with whom he will also be discussing tourism, in which exceptionally positive cooperation trends have been noted.

In his speech, Prime Minister Šarec emphasised that tourism equals people, hospitality, a friendly smile and a warm handshake,

“Slovenia is a green country with a wealth of natural resources that places it at the forefront of European countries. I am pleased that our neighbours recognise Slovenia as a green destination providing peace, relaxation and an alternative to mass tourism. I am certain that by discovering natural sites, cultural particularities and national features, we enhance cooperation between countries in other fields as well.”

Zdravko Počivalšek, the Minister of Economic Development and Technology, who was also in the delegation addressed the attendees and highlighted that “Slovenia wishes to be recognised globally as a high-quality tourist destination. The promotion of Slovenia’s tourism in foreign markets is thus extremely significant, particularly in the nearby countries.

The number of visits by Hungarian guests to Slovenia has been constantly growing in recent years.

A great role is undoubtedly played in this growth by business and tourism events during which our tourism industry can be showcased. Slovenia has many natural and cultural attractions which we can proudly present to the world and which are of tremendous appeal to foreign visitors. I am pleased that today’s presentation focused on the comprehensive tourism sector dominated by high-quality services and pristine nature. These are the distinct advantages that make Slovenia one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe.”

Maja Pak, Managing Director of the STB, presented Slovenia as a country of unique five-star experiences to representatives of Hungarian tourism companies and the media, stating: “The intensive promotional activities of the Slovenian Tourist Board and the tourism industry in recent years are reflected in the high growth rates in the Hungarian market.

Slovenian tourism recorded a 150% increase in arrivals and more than 150% growth in overnight stays by Hungarian tourists compared to 2013. In 2018 we recorded a high number of arrivals – 180,000, in fact – and more than 484,000 overnight stays of Hungarian guests; this trend has continued this year.

Last year, Hungary ranked sixth in terms of the number of overnight stays of foreign tourists visiting Slovenia, with an average length of stay of 2.7 days. During their vacation, Hungarian tourists express interest in culture, cities and cuisine, which, in light of Slovenia as the holder of the European Region of Gastronomy 2021 title, represents further potential for increasing Slovenia’s visibility as a destination for excellent culinary experiences.” Ms Pak also spoke about the profile of Hungarian tourists, who are very important to Slovenia because of their proximity: “Over 10 million Hungarians travel annually, spending more than €2.1 million. They travel four times a year, making one long and three short trips abroad.” At the end, she thanked all participating representatives of Slovenian and Hungarian tourism companies and commended the strengthening of existing business ties.