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November 3, 2009

Slovenia Ranked Seventh in National Geographic Survey

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The sixth annual stewardship survey to appear in Traveler, conducted by National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, ranks Slovenia seventh on the list of ‘Best-Rated Places.’

The condition of any destination is a mix of what local governments, residents, and businesses can control—pollution, cultural quality and authenticity, tourism management—and what they cannot, such as natural disasters and global economic meltdowns. 

Slovenia wins praise for being “savvy about balancing tourism with cultural and historical preservation.” Ljubljana, the capital, is “colorful, vibrant, and architecturally appealing,” and “Slovenia’s Alps and wine country remain among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe.” 

Some of the comments by a panelist expressed the view of Slovenia as “a magnificently scenic country with excellent environmental stewardship. 

It has a high level of integrity in both its natural and constructed beauty. The residents have an outstanding respect for and care of visitors. Since its independence, the country has been on an almost incredible upward climb. I would point to the effective restoration of the forests, rivers, and lakes; the art and architecture; the ethics and joy of the people; and the wondrous parks, caves, and mountains, » and “Slovenia is one of Europe’s best walking destinations, with well-maintained and well-signed path networks to suit all levels of walkers. Customer-service standards have improved immeasurably in recent years and local cuisine is gradually improving, with less emphasis on cheap pizzas and meat-heavy dishes. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most attractive small capital cities; it has the feel of Prague ten years ago. There is a palpable sense of local identity, although opportunities to experience genuine local culture outside the capital city are limited.”