Striving to be recognized as a land for hiking, the country has started a project called “Slovenia is walking”. The Hiking & Cycling Association has also focused on a joint promotion campaign in hopes of attracting more visitors as well as encouraging them to spend more time at their chosen destinations and accommodation that specializes in hikers.

Across Slovenia spring hiking festivals are starting. The first event promoted by the “Slovenia is walking” project will take place on 11–19 April at the Goriška brda region. It is being organized by the Brda Institution for Tourism, Business, Sports and Culture. Due to its location and the Mediterranean climate, the region of Brda (short for Goriška brda) transforms into a hiking destination in early spring. This year’s hiking season will open with the part of the Alpe Adria Trail that goes through Brda. A very popular trekking with donkeys will follow, and on 19 April the Brda – Collio Eco Marathon will host runners who would like to run through the hills on the Slovenian as well as the Italian side of Brda. One of the new tourist products, which will be launched on 30 May, is barefoot hiking. Hikers will be able to walk through vineyards and on existing hiking trails suitable for barefoot walking.

Marjana Grčman, TV Slovenija; translated by K. Z.