Slovenian tourism flourishes: foreign guest numbers and overnight stays surge in first half of the year

Slovenian tourism nears pre-pandemic levels: Domestic and foreign guests' ratio of stays & arrivals improves (29:71) (32:68)

By the end of June, Slovenia welcomed a significant number of foreign guests from Germany, with almost 250,000 arrivals - more than a quarter higher than the previous year. German guests also dominated in terms of overnight stays, generating almost 651,000, accounting for 10% of all overnight stays or 15% of all foreign overnight stays. Tourists from Italy also showed remarkable growth, with 218,000 Italian guests arriving - nearly 60% more than in the first half of the previous year. Guests from Austrian ranked third with a 25% increase from the same period last year. Both German and Austrian markets also surpassed 2019 levels, while Italian tourist numbers remained 12% behind.

In the first half of the year, mountain municipalities saw the highest number of overnight stays, followed by spa and seaside municipalities, with Ljubljana recording a 28% increase in overnight stays.

According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), European tourism's recovery is ongoing, with international tourist arrivals reaching approximately 95% of the 2019 level. Furthermore, a quarter of European destinations have surpassed their pre-pandemic levels in terms of foreign tourist arrivals.

2.5 million arrivals and 6.3 million overnight stays in first half of the year

According to SORS data, by the end of June, Slovenia experienced a positive upswing in tourism with 6% more tourist arrivals and 4% more overnight stays compared to the same period last year. Remarkably, the country is only 3% behind the record year 2019 in terms of tourist arrivals and 1% in overnight stays.

Foreign guests played a significant role in driving this growth, generating 39% more arrivals and 32% more overnight stays. Impressively, overnight stays by foreign guests are merely one percent behind the levels observed in 2019.

Conversely, domestic tourism recorded a third fewer domestic guests compared to the same period last year when tourist vouchers were still in use.

Germany dominates the foreign tourist market share

By the end of June, Slovenia experienced a tourism boom, with the largest number of foreign guests from Germany – just under 250,000 arrivals, representing more than a quarter increase from the previous year. German guests also topped the charts for overnight stays, contributing almost 651,000 stays, accounting for 15% of all foreign overnight stays. Additionally, Italian tourists surged back with 218,000 guests in the first half of the year, an impressive growth of nearly 60% compared to 2022. Guests from Austria secured the third place with a 25% increase from the same period last year. Both German and Austrian markets outperformed 2019 figures, while Italian tourist numbers were still 12% behind.

Apart from Germany, other European countries like Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Poland and the United Kingdom also featured among the top ten  markets for Slovenian tourism in the first half of the year.

Furthermore, overseas markets witnessed a notable return of guests. Tourists from the USA generated more than 61,000 arrivals and over 137,000 overnight stays, the latter trailing just one percent behind the 2019 level.

According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), the USA is at the forefront of leading the recovery in travel from overseas markets to Europe. ETC predicts that these guests will play a vital role in reviving many European destinations this summer, largely due to the favourable exchange rate.

Mountain municipalities with most overnight stays

In the first half of the year, mountain municipalities emerged as the top choice for tourists, accounting for 34 % of all overnight stays. Following closely behind were coastal municipalities with 21%, spa with 16%, and Ljubljana with 13%. Ljubljana also experienced a remarkable 10% increase in overnight stays compared to previous years.

Additionally, the value of travel exports from January to May showcased a positive trend, surging by 13.7% compared to the same period last year. Impressively, it also rose by almost 2.5% when compared to 2019 figures.

According to the Bank of Slovenia, the first five months of 2023 witnessed a total value of travel exports reaching EUR 981.11 million. This notable growth indicates a promising rebound in the tourism industry, providing hope for further recovery and expansion.

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