SIW 2024 – The Largest Slovenian Tourism Trade Fair

This leading B2B tourism event was held in Bled from May 14 to 17 at the Bled Sports Hall, serving as an outstanding platform for meetings between tour operators and travel agencies from around the world and key representatives of the Slovenian tourism industry. As part of the workshop program, numerous business meetings and appointments were held, while the accompanying program offered opportunities for informal networking and for discovering the country’s top-quality tourism offerings.

SIW offers a unique opportunity to establish and strengthen business partnerships between international tour operators, travel agencies, and representatives of the Slovenian tourism industry. Set against the fairytale backdrop of Lake Bled, participants have the chance to meet all leading B2B tourism providers from Slovenia, engage in discussions, build connections, and discover the country’s best destinations in a unique, personalized way.

On the first day, after registration and accreditation at the hotels of Slovenia’s largest hotel brands — Sava Hotels & Resorts, Rikli Balance, and Hotel Park — travel agencies had the opportunity to get acquainted with the program in an informal gathering beneath Bled Castle. All participants could personally experience the destination’s unique offerings and the warm hospitality of the hosts through exceptional culinary and other authentic experiences. Some of these proudly carry the collective brand Bled Local Selection, which connects local providers and guarantees the highest quality of local products, services, and unique experiences.

The second day was dedicated to the workshop and business meetings. All buyers (tour operators and travel agencies) held one-on-one meetings with exhibitors according to pre-scheduled appointments. At SIW, several hundred participants received detailed information about the offerings directly from hotel representatives or local tourism organizations, enabling them to include Slovenia as a destination in their own travel packages.

After the business program, the entertainment segment followed. The organizers hosted a Slovenian Evening at the same venue, where both exhibitors and buyers enjoyed a musical program and spectacular performances, along with a wide array of Slovenia’s culinary delights. With a glass of wine and excellent gastronomy, Slovenia once again proved itself to be an outstanding host.

The very concept of SIW provided a unique and original opportunity for participants to truly get to know Slovenia. On the third and fourth days, each participant took part in an organized incentive trip, or Fam trip, chosen from the Discover Your Slovenia program. Each trip was highly personalized and offered the chance to experience unique moments during their stay in the destination. Participants could choose from four different journeys: One-day: MY WAY OF HAVING A GOOD DAY, Wellness: MY WAY OF CHILLING OUT, Active: MY WAY OF A PERFECT VIEW, and Culture: MY WAY OF EXPERIENCING CULTURE.

The trip and participation in this primarily educational and highly valuable event concluded on the fourth day in the surroundings of Ljubljana, in the beautiful setting of Dvor Jezeršek restaurant and hotel. Once again, Slovenia demonstrated that it is not only a green destination offering a unique experience in nature, but also provides fully personalized experiences throughout the year, across all seasons, based on sustainable and eco-conscious principles.