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Sep 2025
Slovenia recorded its busiest July on record, with 1,051,703 tourists arriving in the country, a 2.5% increase compared to the same month in 2024.
The Slovenian Statistics Office reported that overnight stays reached nearly three million, up 3.9% year-on-year.
Strong summer tourism
The surge in July contributed to a strong summer season overall. From January to July 2025, Slovenia welcomed 2.99 million foreign tourists, representing a 9% rise compared to the same period in 2024.
Overnight stays by foreign visitors grew at a similar pace, climbing 9.1% to 7.3 million.
German tourists made up the largest share of foreign arrivals, followed by visitors from Austria and Italy. These three countries together accounted for nearly three-quarters of total overnight stays.
While international tourism expanded, domestic numbers showed a slight decline. In the first seven months of the year, the number of Slovenian tourists fell by 0.6% to around 858,000, with overnight stays dipping by 0.1% to 2.6 million.
Overall, Slovenia hosted nearly 3.9 million tourists between January and July 2025, generating 9.9 million overnight stays — a 7% increase year-on-year.
July a peak tourism month
The strong inflow underscores a continuation of growth seen in 2024, when the country attracted 5.05 million foreign tourists, an 8.5% rise from the previous year.
The Statistics Office highlighted that July alone brought more than one million arrivals and close to three million overnight stays, solidifying its role as the peak month of the season.
(Image courtesy of Jaka Škrlep via Unsplash)
Tourism surge, travel requirements for visitors
For visitors, the rising number of arrivals underlines Slovenia’s position as a key stop in Schengen travel.
Short-term travelers benefit from the ease of cross-border movement within the zone, though growing demand is likely to bring heavier pressure on entry points during peak periods.
From late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will apply to nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries, who will need to secure electronic clearance before entry.
The system, valid for up to three years, is aimed at managing high traffic while giving authorities more control over screening.
For migrants, however, long-term stays remain governed by national visa and residence rules, which are unaffected by ETIAS.
Policy adjustments in response to rising tourism
For EU policymakers, the Slovenian figures feed into a broader debate on border and migration management. Growth in tourist numbers reinforces the importance of distinguishing short-term stays from longer-term immigration, especially as labor needs in tourism continue to expand.
ETIAS has been designed to help member states pre-screen travelers, offering an added layer of security without undermining mobility.
At the same time, countries with rising visitor inflows, including Slovenia, may push for immigration frameworks that secure seasonal workers for the hospitality sector while tightening oversight of non-tourist entries.
This dual approach reflects a wider EU effort to balance economic reliance on tourism with demands for stronger border controls.
(Image courtesy of Janesca via Unsplash)
Slovenia’s tourism momentum continues to build
Foreign tourist arrivals in Slovenia rose steadily in the first seven months of 2025, with July marking a record-breaking peak. The numbers suggest that Slovenia is on track to match or even surpass last year’s total.
As the season continues, the main question is whether this growth can carry through the rest of the year.