NEWS
PM Alenka Bratušek at the Days of Slovenian Tourism: "The dynamic development of tourism will contribute to the progress of urban and rural areas as well as of the whole country"
"Tourism is one of the few industries that shows positive trends even in times of crisis", pointed out Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek in her opening address at the Days of Slovenian Tourism. According to the Prime Minister, this year's Third Conference of Tourism Workers, held in Terme Olimia in Podčetrtek, is important as it brings together once yearly the creators of Slovenian tourism to exchange their views and experience as well as to analyse the situation and set out the guidelines for further development. "Tourism is one of the greatest economic and social phenomena of our time, affecting many areas of human life. With its favourable impact on economic and social development, it is among the most important industries and one of the main determinants of national and regional developments in Slovenia," stressed the Prime Minister.
According to her, the Slovenian Government is also aware of the importance of tourism and its effects on the economic growth and sustainable development in many areas. The fact that "funds for the promotion of Slovenian tourism have been increased by EUR 3 million to fill the previously created gap, thus facilitating a wide range of activities for the promotion and marketing of Slovenian tourism in foreign markets" proves that tourism has been recognised as one of the strategically most important sectors of the economy. The Prime Minister further highlighted Eurobasket 2013 as successful sports, promotional and tourism event, believing that many fans or participants from abroad will return to Slovenia as tourists with their families and friends, thus contributing to increased tourist traffic.
At the end of her address, the Prime Minister said that the modern tourism offer will position Slovenia on the tourism map of the world, ranking it on the place that – with respect to all the natural advantages, capacities available and friendly people – it fully deserves. "The dynamic development of tourism will contribute to the economic, social, cultural and civilisation progress of urban and rural areas as well as of the whole country. The promotion of tourism is also a message to the world that in our country one can find peace, safety and cooperation, and an opportunity to meet different cultures and nations. Tourism connects people and encourages them to be friendly, hospitable, tolerant and open to diversity. In this way, tourism will become more relevant factor for the promotion of Slovenia in Europe and the world, while also contributing to strengthening the cultural identity of Slovenia in the EU and at the global level," added the Prime Minister.
