Slovenia Unveils its Elite Destinations to Virtuoso’s Most Prestigious Guests

Saturday, November 9, 2024

The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), in partnership with Slovenia’s leading luxury providers—such as Luxury Slovenia, InterContinental Ljubljana, Kempinski Palace Portorož, and Otočec Castle Hotel—alongside Ljubljana Tourism and the Portorož Tourist Board, is hosting an event that solidifies Slovenia’s status as a top-tier destination for luxury travel.

This year’s Virtuoso Chairman’s Event, taking place from November 6 to 10, brings together over 130 of Virtuoso’s most influential members, offering Slovenia a golden opportunity to highlight its exceptional, high-end travel experiences. Supported by a wide array of Slovenian Virtuoso partners and local tourism entities, including the Julian Alps Association, Bled Tourism, Radovljica Tourism, Maribor Tourism, Koper Tourism, Izola Tourist Board, Brda Tourism, and celebrated attractions like Postojna Cave, Lipica Stud Farm, Škocjan Caves, and the Sečovlje Salt Pans Landscape Park, the event showcases Slovenia’s unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty tailored for elite travelers.

“Slovenia is a country where exceptional experiences await at every turn. Guests traveling under the guidance of Virtuoso advisors seek out unique, personalized services of the highest quality – Slovenia offers all of this and more. The Virtuoso Chairman’s Event provides an ideal platform to showcase our country as a premier destination that blends natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine and exceptional hospitality. This aligns perfectly with the key strategic goals of Slovenian tourism. In the first few days, participants have expressed their admiration for the clear sustainable vision that drives Slovenian tourism, supported by a powerful partnership between both the public and private sectors,” emphasized MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB).

“Slovenia is not just a destination – it’s an experience that unfolds through every story, place and person visitors encounter. It captivates with an authenticity that transcends luxury, offering a beauty that touches the heart of even the most seasoned traveller. For over 20 years, Luxury Slovenia has been providing experiences that go beyond expectations. We are proud to be a Virtuoso preferred partner and honoured to host their prestigious annual event here in Slovenia,” said Mattej Valenčič, co-founder and co-owner of Luxury Slovenia.

“The Virtuoso Chairman’s Event presents a unique opportunity to share our passion for Slovenia’s rich heritage with guests who are drawn to authentic and exceptional experiences. From visiting a traditional handicraft workshop where visitors can create their own lasting souvenir, to exploring the timeless architectural marvels of Ljubljana, crafted by the visionary Jože Plečnik and recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage, we are crafting unforgettable moments in Ljubljana. Our city is a destination designed for the most discerning guests – engaging, full of surprises and always inviting,” commented MSc. Petra Stušek, Director of Ljubljana Tourism.

“It is a true honour for us to host such a prestigious event in Portorož and Piran. Virtuoso agency owners and managers will have an opportunity to experience the authenticity of Istria. We will guide them through the charming streets of Piran, the unique Sečovlje Salt Pans and the breathtaking Istrian countryside. Guests will taste our organic olive oil, truffles and other exquisite Istrian delicacies, complemented by the renowned Piran salt. With exceptional quality, a laid-back Mediterranean ambiance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, we are confident that even the most discerning guests will be thoroughly impressed,” remarked MSc. Patricija Gržinič, Director of the Portorož Tourist Board.

“The InterContinental Hotel, Ljubljana’s first luxury five-star hotel since 2017, offers a unique blend of prestige, comfort and exceptional service in the heart of Slovenia’s capital. In 2019, we proudly joined the exclusive Virtuoso network and have since had the privilege of hosting many prestigious Virtuoso guests from the USA, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and beyond. We are honoured to help sponsor the Virtuoso Chairman’s Event, where our guests can enjoy unparalleled service and unforgettable experiences. They will relax in spacious rooms with stunning views of the Alps and Ljubljana Castle, savour an unforgettable breakfast at the B-Restaurant on the 20th floor with panoramic city vistas and unwind in our world-class wellness centre on the 18th floor, complete with a swimming pool, saunas, jacuzzi and fitness centre – all offering breathtaking, unrivalled views of Ljubljana that elevate their stay,” shared Duško Božić, General Manager of InterContinental Ljubljana.

“Kempinski Palace Portorož is not just a hotel; it is a timeless blend of the old and the new, offering guests the finest of both worlds. The historic Palace hotel, built in 1910, exudes classical elegance, while the modern extension integrates contemporary style, making it a true icon of luxury, hospitality and sophistication. Every visit here becomes an unforgettable experience. We have proudly been a Virtuoso partner since 2010, and it is a tremendous honour to host such a prestigious event, alongside our esteemed partners, to showcase the very best that Slovenia has to offer,” stated Željko Stašević, General Manager of Kempinski Palace Portorož.

Hosting the Virtuoso Chairman’s Event solidifies Slovenia’s place on the global luxury tourism map, unlocking new growth opportunities to attract high-spending travelers, especially from key markets like the USA, Canada, and Australia. Right from the event’s start, Slovenia has impressed attendees, showcasing a seamless collaboration among tourism stakeholders driven by a unified vision for the future.

A Premier Showcase of Slovenia’s Luxury Tourism

The Virtuoso Chairman’s Event offers a unique stage for highlighting Slovenia’s luxury tourism assets. The event began in Ljubljana with a grand reception at the historic Ljubljana Castle, followed by a business forum at the InterContinental Hotel. Here, attendees discussed sustainability in Slovenian tourism, led by Virtuoso’s Vice President of Sustainability, Javier Arredondo; STB Director MSc. Maja Pak Olaj; and Luxury Slovenia’s co-founder Matej Knific. Guests will further explore Ljubljana’s cultural and culinary treasures through the exclusive ‘Gourmet Ljubljana Food Crawl’ and conclude the day with a specially curated dinner at the Rog Centre, where acclaimed chef Ana Roš, in collaboration with Tourism Ljubljana, will present a menu of exceptional Slovenian dishes.

On Friday, guests will embark on meticulously curated excursions across Slovenia, selecting from a variety of “Design Your Day” experiences that feature iconic locations like Bled, Radovljica, Otočec, Maribor, Postojna Cave, and Ljubljana. The day will culminate in an elegant evening reception at the Kempinski Palace Hotel. Saturday offers another round of “Design Your Day” choices, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the culture and landscapes of Portorož, Piran, Izola, Koper, the scenic Istria region, Goriška Brda, Lipica, Škocjan Caves, Sečovlje Salt Pans, Predjama Castle, and more. The event will conclude with a grand evening at the historic Grando Salt Warehouse, in partnership with the Portorož Tourist Board.

Virtuoso and its guests are pivotal to realizing Slovenia’s tourism vision. By hosting the owners and leaders of Virtuoso’s most influential member agencies, Slovenia aims to significantly boost its visibility, particularly in key long-distance markets like the USA, Canada, and Australia. This event offers Slovenia unique access to a distinguished group of responsible, high-spending travelers who visit year-round and tend to stay longer, aligning with Slovenia’s sustainable tourism goals.

Virtuoso: A Premier Partner in Luxury Tourism

Virtuoso stands as the foremost global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, encompassing over 20,000 advisors and exclusive partnerships with more than 2,300 top-tier hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators worldwide. Generating approximately $35 billion annually in travel sales, Virtuoso places a strong emphasis on personalized, high-end experiences tailored to affluent clients who seek unparalleled service and are willing to invest in extraordinary journeys.

Playing a pivotal role in the luxury travel industry, Virtuoso offers destinations and suppliers valuable platforms to reach high-value guests. The network not only raises visibility for luxury tourism destinations but also facilitates meaningful connections within the global luxury market.

Slovenia’s partnership with Virtuoso includes the Slovenian Tourist Board, Luxury Slovenia, and esteemed hotels such as InterContinental Ljubljana, Kempinski Palace Portorož, and Hotel Grad Otočec. The 2024 Virtuoso Chairman’s Event in Slovenia, organized alongside Ljubljana Tourism and the Portorož Tourist Board, showcases Slovenian tourism through collaborations with destinations and suppliers nationwide.

Virtuoso’s exclusive annual Chairman’s Event celebrates the network’s top-performing member agencies, bringing together owners and managers for a shared experience in an exceptional destination. This invite-only gathering offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, industry networking, and discussions on best practices, trends in traveler engagement, and emerging opportunities. Hallmarks of the event include agency appreciation, in-depth exploration of the host destination, and the strengthening of relationships with local partners.