Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

Pohorje Reinvents Itself as Slovenia’s All-Season Escape

Once known only for winter slopes, this Slovenian mountain range is proving climate resilience can boost tourism year-round

In the forested heights near Maribor, northeastern Slovenia’s Pohorje range is shedding its ski-only image.

Warmer winters, driven by climate change, have forced local tourism providers to adapt — and the strategy is paying off.

In the first half of 2025, arrivals climbed to 192,000, up 5% on last year, with over two-thirds of visitors coming from abroad, particularly Croatia, Germany, Austria and Hungary.

New draws include “Pohorje Trio” — a cable car ascent, tricycle descent, and adrenaline-fuelled ride on the PohorJet alpine coaster — complementing the traditional hiking trails and wellness retreats.

Overnight stays topped 500,000, with visitors staying longer, from 2.4 to 2.6 days.

Yet, despite the rise, Pohorje remains far from the crowded Alpine resorts.

As Andrej Grmovšek of the Regional Park Pohorje warned in May, preserving its natural heritage is key to its future allure.

Nearby Maribor is also riding the wave, seeing a 9% increase in overnight stays, mostly from international guests.

Have a news tip or story to share? Email us at info@connectingregion.com

Meta, Google, Microsoft Pay Top AI Experts Up to $300K

Meta, Google, and Microsoft offer top researchers up to $300,000 annually—and up to $1.5M over four years. Meta recently...

World First: Albania Elevates AI to Ministerial Rank

In a world first, Albania has appointed an artificial intelligence system to ministerial rank. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced...

UAE’s e& to Expand Serbia’s Kragujevac Data Centre

The UAE’s Emirates Telecommunication Group Company (e&), one of the world’s largest telecom operators, is stepping into Serbia’s digital...

Bosnian Arms Maker Reports Profit Surge

Bosnia’s defense industry is quietly strengthening. BNT TMIH, a state-owned arms manufacturer, announced a 71% rise in net profit...

Serbia Bets on AI to Transform Tourism Industry

Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce has opened applications for a landmark programme designed to drive artificial intelligence into the heart...
spot_img

Connecting the Adria Region Decision Makers

The Region is more than a publication - it's where the region's elite converge for insights and opportunities