June 22, 2016 TnH Global

Slovenia: A Small Country of Extraordinary Diversity and Landscapes

In an interview with our magazine, H.E. Mr. Jožef Drofenik, Ambassador of Slovenia to India speaks about the uniqueness and great diversity of his country, which makes Slovenia a must visit destination.

Q. What is extraordinary about Slovenia as tourist destination?
Slovenia has 20, 000 sq km of diversity: from the Alps to the sea, from the Pannonian Plain to the Karst region. Slovenia, the fourth smallest member of the European Union in terms of area, boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes in a relatively small territory. Easy access to this diversity is a particular advantage: it is possible to start the day in the mountains, with their sports and recreation centres, continue it on a farm in a green mountain pasture or valley, or perhaps on the Adriatic coast, and before it gets to evening the tourists can be pampered at a top-flight thermal spa center offering a sophisticated range of health and wellness services. Slovenia has 24 distinct gastronomic regions and 14 wine districts. Relaxation, entertainment and culture are provided by internationally famous festivals and other events – 365 days a year. Slovenia is therefore a country of green breaks – and recreation in the countryside all year round. In winter, there are dozens of winter sports centers catering for Alpine and Nordic skiers, ski tourers, snowboarders and other winter recreation-seekers. In summer, Slovenia is popular with lovers of water sports on rivers, lakes and in the sea. Slovenia has 10 golf courses set in a variety of different landscapes. There are also adrenaline parks, riding centers and horse-riding trails, and paragliding and ballooning centers. A particular feature of Slovenia, and its strongest tourism trump card, is its thermal springs, around which 14 accredited spa health resorts have developed over the centuries and an even greater number of thermal wellness centres. Health and beauty programmes are based on pampering with many different natural resources and also include opportunities for active leisure.

Q. Why do you think that Slovenia is good destination for Indian visitors?
Slovenia is Green, Active, Healthy and in Harmony with nature for the two million people who live here and for everyone who visits Slovenia. Slovenia is unique country because of its variety, heritage and some places that simply you must see. I would suggest every visitor to visit the capital of Slovenia-Ljubljana, Postojna Cave, Lake Bled and the dream city-Piran. Slovenia is also the biggest star among the most demanding lovers of good food and wine.

The capital of Ljubljana is Green Capital of Europe in 2016. It is a city with a big heart that its citizens like to share. In the last few years, one could hardly follow the placing of the Slovenian capital on hot lists of reputable media and the biggest tourism publishers. In the green capital of Europe 2016, one immediately feels at home. Here, you can spend the time you need in other capitals for transport from one part of the city to the other to walk along the Ljubljanica River, enjoy coffeehouse sweets and chat at the green market. The old city of Ljubljana is also the place where shoppers can enjoy their time. There are many specialised boutique and shops for all passionate shoppers.

Postojna Cave is the largest cave in the “classic karst” and the most visited show cave in Europe. It is a network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers into which experienced guides have accompanied more than 35 million visitors in the last 188 years. In 1872 railway lines were laid in the cave; electricity arrived in 1884. Today, you begin your visit aboard the cave train; the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. Visitors to the cave are dazzled by a wealth of speleothems: calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes, colours and age.

Bled Lake - Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more attractive than many an archipelago. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, the island reigns in the middle of an Alpine lake. Its charm has made it a symbol for centuries of a town to which guests from all over the world love to return. Many honeymooners are married in the church on the island and they visit this church every year to promise each other their faithful. Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquillity and the challenges of sport will find at Bled Lake a multitude of opportunities. Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats, ringing the island’s wishing bell, the castle treasures, nearby ski pistes, mountain trails, golf courses, hunting, fishing, the casino, congress facilities – all these are but fragments of Bled’s attraction, which is truly worth experiencing.

Piran – the dream city
One of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean, Piran has preserved its unsurpassed charm. Enter the picturesque Piran, get to know its rich history and culture, and listen to the stories of our people. The proximity to the sea and the rich history, which is mirrored in the architecture, draw magical scenes. In Piran, you will feel as though you have stepped right into a picture postcard. You will be charmed by the narrow streets within the old town wall. In the main square, you will be greeted by the statue of the most famous man in Piran, the well-known Giuseppe Tartini, composer and virtuoso violinist who was born in a house, just steps from the square. On the pier, you can catch sight of fisherman unravelling fishing net. A market woman from Piran will have just delivered vegetables, fresh from her garden, to the market. Locals sitting by the sea, chatting and listening to sounds of the sea, greet you with a nod. Having coffee, lunch or dinner surrounded by sounds of the sea will ensure pleasant memories for a long time to come.

Q. How simple is the visa process of Slovenia for Indian travellers? How about first time travellers?
Schengen countries have harmonized policy regarding the visa process regulated by Visa Code and the Handbook for the processing of visa applications. In the framework of the local Schengen cooperation we are trying further to harmonize the visa process and its requirements as e.g. recognized insurance agencies, the list of supporting documents, exchange rates, processing time etc. To bring service closer to applicants all over India we signed the agreement with VFS that opened six Slovenian VACs (Visa Application Centres) in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. As extra service, it is possible to use also VACs in other cities or request mobile service when agents of VFS visit applicant at the location by his choice also for scan of fingerprints which is mandatory from November last year. Also, first time travellers are welcome guests, however, they are invited for personal interview as prescribed by Visa Code.

Q. How does Slovenia’s visa service remain competitive?
Although we issued more visas each year we are also trying to shorten the processing time. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 15 days before departure to Slovenia, however, our processing time in average is now around three days. We shall try hard to shorten even this time.

Q. How important is the Indian outbound market for Slovenia? How many Indian tourists visited Slovenia last year?
Foreign markets in which the STB is present through promotional activities are divided by our policy in main tree groups which are: Key European Markets – these are the key incoming markets which in 2011 together generated over 70% of all overnight stays by foreign visitors. They are: Germany, Austria, Italy, the Benelux countries, Croatia, Serbia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Russia and Ukraine. Other European Markets – these are the other European markets: Hungary, France, the Nordic countries, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Israel and Switzerland. Development of Overseas Markets – these are new, growing markets. They are: the USA, Canada, Japan, China, Korea and other overseas markets. Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SORS) does not collect data for Indian visitors separately. India is part of the group Other Asian Countries. There were 69.600 tourist arrivals from visitors from Other Asian Countries in 2015 (10 % more than in 2014) and 135.800 overnight stays (12 % more than in 2014).

Q. How is the air-connectivity between the two countries?
Slovenia’s “Airport JožefPučnik” in Ljubljana, is connected with all capital airports in Europe. There is connection on daily basis with Vienna, Frankfurt Munich, Zurich or Bruxelles. With some capitals the connection even three or more times per day. Flights from European capitals to Ljubljana are short – approximately one hour or even less. Even more – in 2015 there was signed a special Agreement in Cosharing between Slovenian Air Carrier Adria Airways and Air India. However, with this Agreement also the distance between our two countries is becoming smaller.