03 Jun 2016
Tags: slovenia, new appointment, head of tourism uk
Slovenia's Tourist Board Appoints New Head of UK and Ireland Tourism
The Slovenian Tourist Board has appointed Mladen Ljubisic as their new Head of Tourism UK and Ireland. Ljubisic will continue the Tourist Board's promotion of Slovenia in the UK with a strong focus on Travel Trade, complimented by marketing and communications campaigns.
A new UK and Ireland strategy is currently being implemented by Ljubisic, which will aim to have a stronger focus on travel trade, with tour operator and agent management playing a very prominent role. It will also ensure that Slovenia's reputation and identity continues to grow as one of Europe's most tourist-friendly, green and sustainable destinations, putting responsible tourism at the heart of the marketing agenda.
The Slovenian Tourism Board has also placed emphasis on positioning itself as one of the EU's leading eco and green tourism countries after the capital, Ljubljana, was awarded the EU Green Capital for 2016. The city will host the Global Green Destinations Day, a two-day conference on 27-28 September 2016.
Ljubisic replaces Tine Murn, who has moved on to set up his own tourism consultancy Mind Brand. Murn left a strong travel trade legacy after spending six years in the position building new relationships with tourism partners as well as taking The Travel Network Group 2013 conference and ABTA conference 2014 to Slovenia. Media coverage instigated by Murn reached an estimated 51 million people in 2014/2015. These successes have helped facilitate a surge in visitor numbers; Government statistics show that UK visitors to the country increased by 43% year on year between 2014 and 2016.
Core objectives
The three core objectives that Ljubisic has pinned down for this new role are:
- Connecting and creating a new tour operator travel agent system;
- Providing a better understanding of online travel trade for new trade partners
- Continuing to build Slovenia's appeal to UK consumers through ongoing marketing and PR campaigns (the services of A Marr + Associates, Marketing and PR have been retained).
ABOUT MLADEN
Mladen Ljubisic joins the Slovenian Tourism Board from the Busaba restaurant chain where he was Group Sales Manager. His invaluable experience working in a range of hospitality and tourism positions is expected to give him an excellent understanding to his new position. He also worked as a Tour Manager for Slovenian tour operators and a travel consultant.
An official statement from Ljubisic indicated that his experience of the tourism sector will be of huge benefit to achieving his objectives. He said:
"The Slovenian Tourist Board has done an amazing job in promoting Slovenia to the UK general public and the media, sharing the strong message of the country as an environmentally friendly and green destination. With 10 years of experience in different aspects of the travel trade, as well as a strong business background, I believe we are on the right path to becoming one of the most recognised eco-friendly destinations and will continue to attract EndFragment
Combining the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonia Plain and the Karst, Slovenia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. Visit Europe's third most forested country, take a dip in the Adriatic in the afternoon and go night skiing in the evening.
www.slovenia.info
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Further information on Slovenia
There has never been a better time to visit Slovenia than on the eve of the country's 25th birthday. As one of Europe's freshest, greenest countries which bursts with energy and entertainment, 2016 is set to be the biggest year yet for Slovenia with countless awards and opportunities for adventure.
See below our top 5 reasons why Slovenia is the number one destination for 'The Year of Water' in 2016, including birthday celebrations, amazing awards, fantastic summer festivals and more.
1. Slovenia celebrates its 25th birthday
Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in June 1991, so 2016 means the country is now out of its troublesome teens and turning 25. As one of the youngest countries in Europe, it's no surprise that there will be a series of extravagant events to celebrate with live music and feasts with plenty of that famous Slovenian wine flowing. Visitors are invited to join in the celebrations that will mark the new chapter in typical Slovenian fashion; with enthusiasm, positivity and lots of fun. More information TBC. http://www.slovenia.info
2. Ljubljana is the European Green Capital 2016
The award is set to create a buzz around the city's excellently preserved green spaces and the countless hidden gardens in the heart of the city centre. Already known for the beautiful architecture of Jože Plečnik, the laid-back, friendly approach of the locals and authentic Slovenian cuisine, the city's sustainable approach to everything from reducing traffic through increased pedestrianisation to the preservation of important green landmarks such as one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens. http://www.ljubljana.si/en/green-capital/
3. 'Alpine Town of the Year' 2016 Award goes to Tolmin
The title commends a new alpine town each year for its commitment to the implementation of the Alpine Convention, awarded by an international jury. Next year, the little town of Tolmin on the edge of the Triglav National Park (in northwest Slovenia), replaces Chamonix in France. The Association has several objectives including building awareness of the Alps, encouraging relationships within the community and helping create a sustainable future for the region. http://www.alpenstaedte.org/en/about-us
4. The selection of sizzling summer festivals
Slovenia comes alive with music and culture during the warmer months. The July Lent Festival takes place on the banks of the River Drava in Maribor (Slovenia's second largest city) with a range of outstanding performances, from rock to opera to folk, over the course of three weeks. Or how about Festival Bled, where some of the best classical musicians in Slovenia gather for two weeks of concerts and culture with art exhibitions and workshops too. For something completely different, The Grossman Film and Wine Festival pays homage to Slovenia's cinema, in particular their horrors films, ending with a local “zombie walk” on the last night. www.slovenia.info/events
5. 2016 marks the Year of Water for Slovenia
Slovenia's fascinating landscape is shaped by water, from caves formed by subterranean rivers which burst out into huge waterfalls and thermal springs to the emerald-green waters of the Soča river. In 2016, you are invited to celebrate and explore the country's 27,000km of fresh water through a series of events, starting with an exhibition in the capital Ljubljana. Running until 8 May 2016, the central exhibition is accompanied by a tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Ljubljana's water supply system. Ljubljana is one of the few capitals that enable free access to drinking water, with more than 22 drinking fountains. The special exhibition WATER is on show at the City Museum of Ljubljana until 8 May 2016.
