The 33rd Alpe-Adria Tourism, Camping and Caravanning Fair officially opened today at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. The fair, which will run until Saturday, 18 February, was officially opened by Matjaž Han, Slovenian Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sports.
In his address, he highlighted that the Alpe-Adria Fair was one of the most important tourism events in Slovenia. “It is also the leading tourism marketing event in the Alpe-Adria region. This year it centres around green and active tourism. This is fully in line with the concept and vision of the new Strategy for the Development of Slovenian Tourism, which is moving in the direction “Green and boutique. Reduced carbon footprint. Greater value for all.” Instead of mass tourism, we aim to increase the quality of the Slovenian tourism offering and create higher added value for everyone. In order to achieve this goal, we will have to cooperate closely – both the state as well all tourism stakeholders,” he added.
Goran Đurović, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism of the Republic of Montenegro and Iztok Bricl, MSc, Director of the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre also delivered their addresses.
Minister of Economic Development and Tourism of the Republic of Montenegro Goran Đurović underlined, among other things: “The Alpe-Adria Fair is a venue where we will further connect our destinations, approach and experience, and additionally define the most suitable models for the development of our economies. I would like to especially point out that Slovenia’s experience in developing winter offerings and active tourism would be of great help to us, as significant investments are being made in Montenegro with regard to the plans to build ski resorts and diversify our offering.”
“The Alpe-Adria Fair is a combination of active tourism, gastronomy, camping and caravanning. It is targeted at all who want to actively spend their free time. It is also a hub for the flow of ideas between tourism actors and local guests. The fair is thus a unique opportunity for new insights, a constructive exchange of expert opinions and experiences, and relaxed socialising,” said Iztok Bricl, MSc, at the opening.
Following the official opening, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sports Matjaž Han and Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board Maja Pak, MSc, launched a national portal for the promotion of professions in tourism and hospitality. The portal “Choose a Career in Tourism” will serve as a one-stop shop and provide key information regarding professions in hospitality and tourism, further education and training opportunities, and incentives to address HR challenges in the industry.
JAKOB AWARD
The Jakob Award for Innovation and Excellence in Tourism was presented by Maja Pak, MSc, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board. The subject of this year’s award was »Innovative Educational Trails as a Tourism Product”. The Evaluation Committee consisted of Prof. Dr Janez Bogataj acting as President, and members Ana Apih, Mateja Sušnik, Marko Lenarčič and Jože Prah. Five finalists were selected among 28 projects submitted, and the best of them was awarded the title Ambassador of Educational Trails 2023.
Jakob was awarded to the project Educational Trail Drvošec and the Visitor Centre Lake Cerknica of the Public Institute of the Notranjska Regional Park.
The committee provided the following explanation about their decision:
“The existing educational trail was successfully upgraded last year to bring Lake Cerknica one step closer to being included in opportunities and tourism offering content that Slovenia can only wish for. There is thus no need to create new stories about Lake Cerknica and its people, they just need to include the existing ones in different relations where local population can also be actively involved. Implementation of the Visitor Centre last year was also a very positive experience as it has already started to contribute to content improvement, but primarily, it introduces activities along the trail to the visitor. The lake is one long tale and discovery of its changes that are a consequence of the particular natural habitat and, at the same time, a unique documentation of centuries of human presence. We should also mention the mysticism of the place and the proverbially particular humour that can only be from “Cerknica”.
The other finalists were:
· Škrateljc – Institute for Culture, Education and Sports with the project Fairy-Tale Adventure Trail across Slovenia
· European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Geopark Karavanke with the project Karavanke Trail
· Cultural Technical Tourist Association Baška dediščina with the project On Our Own Land Theme Trail
· Municipality of Solčava with the project Logar Valley Trail
COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME OF THE FAIR
Events in the exhibition halls are coupled with an extensive complementary programme with lectures, presentations, round tables and press conferences on current topics in tourism.
Over 50 events will take place, presenting different contents, ranging from cycling, climbing, gastronomy, different outdoor activities to the presentation of tourism innovation, its digitalisation and sustainability.
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE A LOOK AT COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME HERE
FAIR OF TASTES GASTEXPO
The 16th international professional Fair of Tastes GASTexpo, organised by the Primorska Fair, is also traditionally held in parallel to the main event. The organisers are preparing a real gastronomy tour – from the range of beverages, coffee, confectionery, bakery, ice cream, wine, hospitality equipment, to lectures, workshops and interactive trainings – from pizza baking school, confectionery and bakery workshops, to coffee making. The event will be made even more interesting with international competitions – participants will compete in making pizza to win the flattering title “Slovenia’s best pizzaiolo”.
OPENING HOURS and TICKETS
The fair is open from Wednesday, 15 February, to Friday, 17 February, from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., and on Saturday, 18 February, from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
When purchasing a ticket, every visitor receives Oddih, a supplement of the Dnevnik daily newspaper, which is also the fair catalogue.
YOU CAN BROWSE THROUGH ODDIH HERE
Fair on a budget: Visitors can obtain a cheaper ticket online or during Happy hour between 12.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. A cheaper ticket is also available for many members of clubs and societies.
One ticket allows you to visit both fair events.
Visitors can ride the buses of Ljubljana Passenger Transport for free.
We invite you to register to visit the fair via the website or in person at the Press Centre in the Jurček Pavilion. During the fair, the Press Centre is open from 9.45 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Thank you so much for the media coverage of our event. We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information.