Slovenian spas are at full capacity during Easter and May holidays, mostly hosting guests from abroad but also with plenty of guests from Slovenia.

The interest for Slovenian spas is greater than previous years due to tense security situation in many typical travel destinations, while Slovenia is regarded as a safe country by tourists. Slovenian spa tourism has been thriving; even in the past few years – during the economic crisis – the spas had a constant influx of foreign guests. Nationalities that typically frequent the spas include Austrians, Russians, Germans and Croats.

Terme 3000 spa resort is prospering. They invested EUR 1.2 million to renovate the swimming pool complex and the Ajda hotel, since buckwheat (Slo. 'ajda') is a symbol of the region by the Mura river, and has been chosen as the cohesive thread of the renovation; e.g. buckwheat shells, which have anti-allergy effects, were used to fill the pillows in hotel beds. Although their owner, Sava JSC, has gone into compulsory settlement, this has had no effect on the spas. Foreign guests primarily come from all four neighbouring countries but also from Germany, Serbia and Ukraine. The only thing foreigners are slightly worried about is events related to migrant crisis.

CEO of Terme 3000 Igor Magdič explains that "much more often than in the past, the guests now ask about border crossings and waiting times as well as how occupied migrant accommodation centres are and how close they are".

The 'Rimske terme' spa (Roman Spa), sold to an Armenian businessman two years ago, have a higher number of overnight stays every year, mostly owing to guests from abroad. The majority of foreigners are Italians and Austrians, while about half of their guests are from Slovenia. "The number of guests is on the increase, we're currently completely full, like every Easter," notes Marko Maze from Rimske terme.

The number of guests in Slovenian spas is greater every year, regardless of the economic situation. Even the economic crisis that began in 2009 had no effect on this trend.
Higher taxes for using thermal water?
The spas may be affected in the future by higher taxes for the use of thermal water. Due to a disorganised system some spas have not paid any taxes until now. CEO of Terme Snovik (Snovik Spa) Petra Zlatoper explains: "We will mostly be affected by this through higher costs, which consequently affect business outcomes; this is why we're looking into possibilities to lower the cost of concession payments."

The goal of Terme Snovik is to attract even more guests from abroad. The majority of foreigners are the Dutch, Israelis and guests from the neighbouring countries. The spa targets active guests who give importance to location. "The location in the central part of Slovenia is very important to foreign guests. They're 30 kilometres from Ljubljana, not far from Bled, it's a quick journey to Venice," adds Zlatoper.

According to studies carried out by the Spirit agency for promotion of Slovenian tourism, the location of the spa and unspoiled nature are two key reasons why tourists keep returning to spend their holidays in Slovenia.

G. K., MMC; translated by K. Z.