Tourism is an important part of the Slovenian economy. It gives employment to one eighth of the labour force, and contributes 13% to the national GDP, i.e. approximately five billion euros. The statistical data show that since 2008 the number of overnight stays has grown from 9.3 to 10.3 million in 2015, i.e. by 11%, and the number of arrivals in the same period has grown by more than 27%, from three to 3.9 million (counting both domestic and foreign tourists). Last year almost 70% of the tourists, or 2.7 million, came from abroad, resulting in 6.6 million of overnight stays, or over 64% of all overnight stays.
Due to such an increase in arrivals of foreign tourist to Slovenia, some fears have been expressed that Slovenia might turn into mass tourist destination. But it is not likely to happen. The Slovenian Tourist Organisation (STO) in the past months emphasized that they would like to steer clear from mass tourism, and they intend to intentionally develop boutique tourism. It is their wish to present Slovenia as a "green, active, and healthy boutique destination for five-star experiences".