These four project will share the prize in the form of non-refundable grant of € 15,000.
STO (Slovenian Tourist Board) explained that they chose these four projects as the winners because the accessible tourism is unexploited potential for tourism with added value. It is raising awareness, and wants to surmount the project of active tourism for physically impaired persons. STO emphasized that the expansion of the present offer of Ars Viva, the only youth hostel in Slovenia completely adapted to needs of physically impaired persons, is a positive idea which allows to this group of too often neglected tourists to spend their free time in an active manner.
The second awarded project focuses on the enogastronomy as a segment of tourism, which has been growing significantly. Considering also authentic local ingredients, seasoned with enthusiasm of youth under vigilant supervision of professional mentors, a great idea is born: a culinary tour by museum train!
The applicants want to offer to people traveling on museum train on the Bohinj railway track a culinary experience based on the local food; at the same time this idea would give the pupils, partners in the project, a great experience to upgrade their theoretical knowledge with a practical test. The train starts driving on May 13, and the students will serve food on the train, including »maslovnik«, a dish made of flour, sour cream, and eggs, and »šebreljski želodec« (made of high-quality bacon and pork meat, filled in pig stomach), and traditional beverages, e.g. liqueur made of local pear, cider, wine…
Karst edge, climbers' paradise
The third idea is based on Kraški rob (Karst edge), which is a dream-like place for climbers. Climbing holidays at the Karst edge are intended for a special type of tourists, an excellent example of boutique tourist product with high added value which is completely in line with the Slovenia's orientation towards sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism.
The last recipient of the award is the project belonging to the category of souvenirs, the offer of which is quite extensive. The tale of dragon and tarragon attracts the interest of tourists already with its name, as it offers a story. The development of the Dragon Fire culinary souvenirs will be based on an ingredient which is explicitly Slovenian, the tarragon, which will be creatively wrapped in the story about the best recognizable symbol of Ljubljana, the dragon, STO explained.
Innovations as added value in tourism
The ten-member jury of experts chose the finalists for the 2017 Snovalec award from 45 applied projects and ideas. "The STO is encouraging development and promotion of innovative tourist products, as innovations in tourism represent additional value of tourist products directed also at the visitors of a higher income bracket. We encourage those innovative products which are green-oriented, and confirm the commitment to sustainable development of tourism," STO director Maja Pak emphasized.
Successfully completed innovation are reinforcing the recognisability of Slovenia; with the new strategy of sustainable growth of the Slovenian tourism in the period 2017-2021 we wish to become the green boutique global destination for demanding visitors who seek diverse and active adventures, inner peace, and personal growth. "One of the driving forces of the modern research tourists practice is their wish for different, new, innovative experiences. Therefore, we are really pleased with the large number of applications received this year from the tourist sector, and with the fact that four finalists were chosen," Pak explained.
The non-refundable funds awarded to the winners of the Snovalec awards are intended for realisation of the projects, and their promotion. Last year's award winners, Green Gold Fountain and Sugar Lace, were realized, while project In the Middle of Fantastic Nowhere remained unrealized.
K. S.
Translated by G. K.
