With a thriving culinary scene, range of outdoor pursuits and highly regarded green credentials, Slovenia has been named 5th in the top 10 countries to visit next year, according to world-leading travel publisher Lonely Planet. Piran is on the cover page of the 2022 edition.
Global travel authority Lonely Planet has named Slovenia 5th in its top 10 countries to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. What is more, the 2022 edition of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel features the charming Slovenian coastal town of Piran.
Decided by a panel of industry experts, following nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, bloggers and publishing partners, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 recognises the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit every year. Now in its 17th year, this edition places a particular emphasis on the best sustainable travel experiences – ensuring travellers will have a positive impact wherever they choose to go.
Slovenia has long been praised for having an emphasis on responsible travel and in 2016 was named ‘the world’s most sustainable country’ after becoming the first entire nation to earn green certification by Dutch organisation Green Destinations. The Slovenia Tourist Board (STB) has continually built upon this, developing a tourism strategy – the Green Scheme of Slovenia Tourism – putting locals at the heart of Slovenia and providing visitors with authentic and boutique travel experiences. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 praises Slovenia for being green both literally and figuratively, highlighting its focus on sustainability as well as its vast, naturally beautiful landscape. Important to mention is also the fact that Slovenia was one of the first countries in the world to receive the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2020. The Safe Travels Stamp approves that health and hygiene standards, which are included in the GREEN&SAFE label, are consistent with global health and hygiene protocols for safe travel.
The ‘Best in Travel’ accolade follows a successful 2021 for Slovenia, tipped as one of Europe’s most exciting new culinary destinations. Unveiled just last month, the 2021 edition of The Michelin Guide welcomed a new member bringing the country’s total up to 8 stars in 7 restaurants, and 6 Michelin Green Stars or 53 restaurants in total. That sustainability indeed is an integral part of Slovenian gastronomy indicates also the fact that in 2021 alone, 31 restaurants and farms gained Slovenia Green Cuisine label. In this same year, Slovenia holds the title of the European Region of Gastronomy for its exceptional culinary scene that puts sustainability at the forefront.
Slovenia also welcomed several new hiking and cycling routes this year including the Green Gourmet Route in June, which encourages visitors to explore the country’s varied landscape and local communities through local dishes on two wheels, and Juliana Bike, a 290km journey through the beautiful Julian Alps mountain range. The new trails support STB’s key theme for 2022 of outdoors and sports tourism; for visitors to experience Slovenia’s fantastic outdoor activities and diverse sporting events.
Maja Pak, M.Sc Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board said: “We’re delighted to be recognised in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel 2022 list. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented its challenges, but we took the best out of it and ensured that the core pursuit of striving for sustainability under our Green Slovenia scheme has remained. What’s more, we have managed to upgrade it with health-related safety standards, which have enhanced the trust of our guests and also our visibility as a green and safe European destination. Our borders are open and we look forward to welcoming visitors to experience our wonderful country and its endless array of 5* safe, sustainable and boutique experiences.”
Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s VP of Experience, added: “Responsible travel has been part of the Slovenian way of life for decades and the country has become a world leader in developing sustainable tourism strategies by prioritising quality over quantity and communities over consumerism. Offering truly unforgettable experiences from the Alps and Adriatic, Slovenia continues to innovate and over the last year has introduced a range of community based culinary and cycling routes to enable visitors to tap into the rich natural and cultural experiences. The country’s continued commitment to creating sustainable tourism solutions is why it has ranked so highly in this years’ Best in Travel listing and is why we have chosen to feature Slovenia on the front cover of the book.”
Slovenia is one of only two European countries recognised in Lonely Planet’s top 10 countries, alongside Norway. Previously, Slovenia has only appeared once in the countries list, in the very first edition of this product, which was back then called Bluelist. But alongside this, Slovenia has been featured in other Best in Travel lists:
- 2006 – Best Country (in this edition countries were not ranked)
- 2018 – Best Regions – Julian Alps
- 2019 – Best Value
