AGP Executive Report

Tourism and Sport: Slovenia has designated three major events as strategic projects for international promotion: a Giro d’Italia stage on 9 May 2027, plus two biathlon championships planned for Pokljuka early next year, subject to the event-hosting process. New Connections: SAS plans seasonal Copenhagen–Ljubljana flights for summer 2027, while Croatia and Slovenia are working on a rail link connecting Ljubljana and Zagreb via Novo Mesto and Karlovac; restoring the Novo Mesto–Karlovac section is envisaged after 2030. Hospitality: Minor Hotels plans to enter Slovenia in 2027 as part of a wider expansion, though it has not named local properties. Outdoor Travel: Maribor is set to host a round of the European Downhill Cup in early June 2027, on its former World Cup course.

Tourism Promotion: Slovenia has backed three strategic sporting projects for international promotion: a Giro d’Italia stage on 9 May 2027 and bids to host two European and para-biathlon championships at Pokljuka. Hotel Investment: Minor Hotels plans to enter Slovenia in 2027 as part of an expansion into six new countries, though it has not yet named Slovenian properties. Visitor Access: SAS will add seasonal Copenhagen–Ljubljana flights in summer 2027. Croatia and Slovenia are also planning a rail link between Ljubljana and Zagreb via Novo Mesto and Karlovac, with the cross-border section proposed for restoration after 2030. Road Safety: In Istria near the Slovenian border, residents say large campervans and vehicles towing boats are being routed onto narrow local roads, sometimes blocking access for hours.

Cruise Tourism: Saga Cruises’ 2028 winter programme includes a stop in Koper on its Gems of the Adriatic and Mediterranean voyage. Road Access: Residents in Croatia’s Ćićarija region near Slovenia say large campervans are getting stuck on narrow local roads, with weak cross-border connections and navigation apps sending drivers onto unsuitable routes. Air Links: SAS plans seasonal Copenhagen–Ljubljana flights for summer 2027, adding a direct option for visitors from Scandinavia. Rail Connections: Croatia and Slovenia are exploring a Ljubljana–Zagreb route via Novo Mesto and Karlovac; restoring the Novo Mesto–Karlovac link is envisaged after 2030. Visitor Outlook: Slovenia features on travel agency Fora’s list of destinations expected to gain popularity in 2027. Mountain Biking: Maribor’s former World Cup downhill course is set to host a round of the iXS European Downhill Cup in June 2027.

Road Safety: Large campervans and vehicles towing boats are causing blockages on narrow roads in northern Istria near the Slovenian border, where navigation apps can send drivers onto unsuitable routes. Maribor Downhill: The iXS European Downhill Cup returns to Maribor in early June 2027, bringing riders back to the former World Cup course. More Flights: SAS plans seasonal summer 2027 flights from Copenhagen to Ljubljana, alongside a wider schedule expansion. Cross-Border Rail: Slovenia and Croatia are planning a Ljubljana–Zagreb connection via Novo Mesto and Karlovac; restoring the missing rail link is envisaged after 2030. Slovenia in Demand: Slovenia features among Fora’s destinations tipped for growth in 2027, while a new travel safety roundup also lists it among lower-risk countries. Ljubljana Cycling: A study finds proposed regional cycling corridors could deliver economic and health benefits exceeding their costs.

Air Links: SAS will add seasonal summer 2027 flights from Copenhagen to Ljubljana, alongside wider schedule growth that strengthens connections for visitors heading to Slovenia. Destination Buzz: Slovenia features on Fora’s list of destinations expected to gain ground in 2027, reflecting growing interest among the agency’s travel advisers. Rail Connections: Slovenia and Croatia are exploring a Ljubljana–Zagreb route via Novo Mesto and Karlovac; restoring the cross-border link is envisaged after 2030. Cycling in Ljubljana: A study finds planned regional cycling corridors could deliver public benefits through healthier commutes, reduced fuel use and time savings.

Cross-Border Travel: Slovenia and Croatia are planning a rail link from Ljubljana to Zagreb via Novo Mesto and Karlovac, including restoration of the Novo Mesto–Karlovac connection after 2030. Cycling: Proposed high-capacity routes radiating from Ljubljana could deliver health, travel-time and environmental benefits, according to a new cost-benefit study. Destination Watch: Slovenia features among the destinations Fora expects to gain ground in 2027, as the travel agency reports rising interest in its annual Hot List. Air Links: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Ljubljana to its summer 2027 network, with flights from Brussels; launch dates and frequencies are yet to be announced. Events: Podčetrtek will host the World Jazz Championships from November 26–29, bringing international dance teams to Slovenia.

Ljubljana Cycling: A new cost-benefit study finds proposed regional cycling corridors into Ljubljana could deliver €25.3 million in net societal benefits over 30 years, with health gains and reduced commuting costs among the projected returns. New Air Link: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Brussels–Ljubljana flights for summer 2027, expanding direct access from Belgium; the airline has not yet announced schedules or frequencies.

Ljubljana Welcome: Chabad plans to send its first dedicated emissary couple to Slovenia to establish a center in the capital, adding a new resource for Jewish residents and visitors. Road-Trip Spotlight: A recent travel feature pitches Slovenia as an appealing four-day driving break from Munich, offering an alternative to better-known destinations nearby. More Flights: TUI fly Belgium plans to add a Brussels–Ljubljana route for summer 2027, expanding direct access from Belgium; launch dates and schedules are still to come. Podčetrtek Event: The World Jazz Championships will bring international dancers to Slovenia from November 26–29, including a 15-year-old representing Team USA.

Road Travel: A Serbian-registered bus crash on Croatia’s A3 near Ivanić-Grad killed two people and injured 33. Traffic moved slowly on the route toward Zagreb and Slovenia; the cause is under investigation. More Flights to Ljubljana: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Brussels–Ljubljana service for summer 2027, while United is set to launch seasonal nonstop flights from Newark on May 12, with four flights weekly. Upcoming Event: Podčetrtek will host the World Jazz Championships from November 26–29, bringing international dancers to Slovenia, including a 15-year-old competitor representing Team USA.

New Air Links: United plans seasonal nonstop flights from Newark to Ljubljana four times a week from May 12, 2027, opening a direct US route to Slovenia. TUI fly Belgium is also adding Ljubljana to its Brussels network for summer 2027, though schedules are not yet confirmed. Events in Slovenia: Podčetrtek will host the World Jazz Championships from November 26–29, bringing international dancers to the resort town.

Travel Alert: A bus crash on Croatia’s A3 motorway near Ivanić-Grad killed at least two people and injured 33. Traffic is moving slowly on a major route toward Zagreb and Slovenia. New Air Links: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Brussels–Ljubljana flights in summer 2027. United Airlines is also set to launch seasonal nonstop service from Newark on May 12, with four flights a week. Road Trips: A new travel feature makes the case for Slovenia as an overlooked alternative to its better-known neighbors, highlighting a four-day drive focused on scenic roads and stops.

Air Links: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Brussels–Ljubljana flights for summer 2027, while United will launch seasonal nonstop service from Newark on May 12, with four flights a week. The new US route gives travellers a direct link to Slovenia’s capital and Alpine attractions. Rail Travel: Tickets are now on sale for Hungary’s winter timetable, starting December 13, including services to Ljubljana and hourly trains between Budapest and Vienna. Destination Appeal: Ljubljana is winning praise from visitors as an underrated city break, with fairytale architecture, mountain scenery and easy access to glacial lakes. Events: Podčetrtek will host the World Jazz Championships from November 26–29, bringing international dancers to Slovenia.

New Air Links: TUI fly Belgium plans to add Brussels–Ljubljana flights for summer 2027, as part of a 3% capacity increase. United’s seasonal Newark–Ljubljana service is also due to launch on May 12, with four flights a week—giving North American visitors a direct route to Slovenia. Events: Podčetrtek will host the World Jazz Championships from November 26–29, bringing international dancers to the spa town. Rail Travel: Tickets are on sale for winter-timetable trains from Hungary to Ljubljana, with services beginning December 13. Destination Spotlight: Travellers are praising Slovenia’s lakes, mountains and Ljubljana’s storybook streets as a quieter alternative to Europe’s busiest city breaks.

New Air Links: TUI fly Belgium plans a Brussels–Ljubljana route for summer 2027, one of four new destinations, while United will launch seasonal nonstop flights from Newark to Ljubljana on May 12, with four weekly services. Rail Travel: Tickets are on sale for winter international trains from Hungary, including journeys to Ljubljana from the timetable’s Dec. 13 start. Border Checks: Austria has extended checks at its land borders with Slovenia through March 15, 2027, so travellers crossing from Slovenia should allow extra time. Visa-Free Transit: Slovenia is among 53 countries whose citizens qualify for China’s 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit arrangements.

City Breaks: Slovenia is drawing fresh attention as an under-the-radar escape, with Ljubljana’s storybook architecture, nearby mountains and lakes making it a strong choice for a short trip from the UK. Rail Travel: Tickets are on sale for winter international trains from Hungary, including services to Ljubljana, ahead of the timetable change on 13 December. Border Checks: Austria has extended checks at its land border with Slovenia until 15 March 2027, so travellers crossing from Slovenia should allow for possible delays. Hotels: Hotel Palace Portorož is scheduled to relaunch in early 2027, adding a new accommodation option on the coast.

Slovenia in the Spotlight: Ljubljana is being tipped as an underrated European city break, with Slovenia’s glacial lakes, mountains and charming towns adding to its appeal. The capital is about a two-hour flight from the UK. Getting There by Rail: Tickets are on sale for Hungary’s winter timetable, starting 13 December, with services to Ljubljana among the international routes available to book. Border Advice: Austria has extended checks at its land borders with Slovenia until 15 March 2027, a consideration for travellers crossing between the countries. Cycling Tourism: The 2027 Giro d’Italia will start in Trieste on 8 May, briefly cross into Slovenia on stage one, then spend all of stage two in the country. Events: Swedish band Katatonia is set to play Ljubljana’s Kino Šiška on 5 April 2027 as part of its European tour.