The high number also raises questions of negative impacts tourism has on the environment. Experts believe that this problem can be tackled by developing concepts of sustainable tourism. An increased environmental awareness and integration of the local population are at the forefront of the concept.

That’s also the main theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, which is being marked today. The number of tourists in Slovenia is also on the rise with around 3% more people visiting the country last year and the number of overnight stays increased by 1% in comparison to 2012.

Tanja Mihalič from the Ljubljana Faculty of Economics says that sustainable forms of tourism, which include environment protection and more participation of local communities is the future of the industry. She believes that Slovenia has plenty of untapped potential in that field.

I. U., RSi