ANNUAL TOURISM REPORT 2013 Slovenia

Transcription

1 ANNUAL TOURISM REPORT 2013 Slovenia Article 3 of Council Decision 86/664/EEC 1 of 22 December 1986 establishing a consultation and cooperation procedure in the field of tourism stipulates that: "...each Member State shall send the Commission, once a year, a report on the most significant measures it has taken and, as far as possible, on measures it is considering taking in the provision of services for tourists which could have consequences for travellers from the other Member States. The Commission shall inform the other Member States thereof". The following reporting form aims at facilitating compliance with this Council Decision &pgs=10&hwords= 1

2 SECTION 1 TOURISM ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE This section is aimed at reporting on the following: Administrative organisation Territorial organisation Organisation and links between the national tourism authority and the provinces / regions Organisation and links between the national tourism authority and industry associations, stakeholders and customers 1.1. Short description of the administrative and territorial organisation of public bodies responsible for tourism Tourism policy remains within the purview of the Ministy of Economic Development and Technology and remains as part of the overall economic policy of Slovenia. Administrative and legislative issues concerning tourism are delivered to the Tourism and Internationalization Directorate. The Directorate is divided into two divisions: Tourism Division (national policy on tourism and structural policies with impact on tourism coordination, foreign and EU relations in tourism) Internationalisation Division (Foreign investments Promotion and Domestic industry and SMEs internationalization, Trade Policy). Tourism Division is responsible for preparation and implementation of tourism policies, strategies and guidelines on national level, regulations in the field of tourism and catering. The promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination and the corresponding marketing activities are the responsibility of the SPIRIT Slovenia Public Agency, Tourism Devision that acts as the National Tourist Board (from 1st January 2013 the National Tourist Board is a part of the SPIRIT Slovenia Public Agency 2 ). The Slovenian Tourist Board was set up in 1995 by the Government as a partly-commercial, partly state-funded organisation. In 2010 the STB got a new status as full-state-funded institution responsible for development, promotion and marketing of the destination Slovenia. The STB provides certain services on a fee basis for the tourism industry as well. In general It is responsible for managing, promotion and advertising of the Slovenian Tourism and the brand "I feel Slovenia". Within it s annual working programme supports creativity, innovation and the design of new tourist products and services, promotes internationalisation and quality diversification of tourism supply, cares about public relations and advertising campaigns in important consumer markets, carries out R&D in the field of tourism marketing, etc. It carries out some very important projects for stimulation of creativity and innovations in tourism, such are the Sower Award Competition,The 2 A public agency is effective and sustainable development based executive institution, in the field of entrepreneurship, technological development, innovation, foreign direct investment, internationalization and promotion of the Slovenian economy and Slovenia as a tourist destination. Agency provides and ensures favorable and supportive environment, financial initiatives, promotion and the visibility of Slovenia in the EU and internationally. 2

3 Weaver Award competition and Bank of Tourism Potentials. It is the national umbrella tourist organization, whose purpose is to plan and carry out the promotion of the country as a tourist destination. More information: Ministry of Economic Development and Technology SPIRIT Slovenia, Tourism Devision: Organisation chart reflecting the above described administrative and territorial organisation. 3

4 1.3. Relationship and main areas of cooperation between national/regional public tourism bodies and the most significant / active private organisations / stakeholders / industry associations /unions / consumer organisations Strategic planning of Slovenian tourism policy is a reflection of partnership between public and private sector and NGOs in the field of tourism. Within legislation and policy providing procedures ministry responsible for tourism cooperates and consults primarily with the Chamber of Tourism and Hospitality as well as with the Chamber of Craft (representing among others the interests of the tourism small entrepreneurs and craftsmen). The Ministry of the Economic Development and Technology in responsible also for consumer protection and rights (also for the field of tourism). There are organized consultations free of charge for consumers every day at the gratis phone number: In this area of work it is active a civil society association named Association of consumers of Slovenia that acts as nongovernmental organization. Very important tourism industry organisations at national level are: - the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia Chamber of Hospitality and Tourism ( representing among others by compulsory membership the interests of all leisure and tourism entrepreneurs as well as - the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia representing among others the interests of the tourism small entrepreneurs and craftsmen and - the Trade Union for Tourism and Catering workers ( The most important civil society organisation in the field of tourism is the Tourist Association of Slovenia (TAS) It is the oldest non-governmental, civil tourism association of friends of tourism in Slovenia (in the year 2005 it celebrated its centenary) and incorporates more than 655 local tourist societies (clubs with several thousands of civil friends of tourism) throughout the country. There are some tourism cluster associations at national level representing the interests of their members (voluntary membership), these are: - the Association of Slovene Travel Agencies ( - Slovenian Spas Asociation ( - The Slovenian Convention Bureau, link: - Association of Tourist Farms, etc. The national office for collecting and alalysing data: - Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia - is in charge of collecting, analising and disseminating data in tourism as well. To encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those in tourism, to invest at any phase during their lifecycle, to support SMEs through subsidies, favourable loans and guarantees for loans taken, Slovenia founded the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF). More information: Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF) 4

5 Through the Public Agency SPIRIT Slovenia the Government enhances Slovenia s general economic competitiveness via technical and financial assistance to national and foreign entrepreneurs, businesses and investors. The part of the same organization is also the national tourist board Existing national/regional specific legislation on tourism Tourism Promotion Act The Tourism Promotion Act had been adopted by the Parliament in December 2003 and was published in January 2004 (Official Journal Nr. 2/04). The Tourism Promotion Act defines planning and implementation of the tourism policy and its organisation at the national level and local level. It defines the value and the purposes of the tourist tax as well as other instruments for implementation of the tourism policy. The act also lays down conditions concerning organising and selling of package travel, package holidays and package tours as well as performing the services of tourist guides and tourist escorts. It is based on principles of sustainable development and public-private partnership and principle of equal treatment of the economic, social and environmental components. In 2012 some statutory provisions of the Tourism Promotion Act were changed. The changes concern establishment of the new agency, which is also competent for promotion of Slovenian tourism (SPIRIT Public Agency) and acts as the National Tourist Board. The draft of the new Tourism Promotion Act is in preparation. This act is planned to be adopted in Act on Catering Industry In order to assure a good quality of services and high level of consumer protection, in the Catering Industry Act the requirements regarding minimum standards or conditions for the performance of certain services are preserved. There are requirements on minimum technical conditions, minimum services, measures and conditions according to classification of the accommodation facilities, minimum sanitary and health conditions. In the catering sector the safety of services also includes adequate execution of health and sanitary provisions within the HACCP mechanism. Act on Mountain Guiding It defines requirements regarding the profession Mountain guide and conditions for establishment and providing mountain guiding services. In 2010 the Act on Mountain Guiding was finally harmonised with EU and OECD legislation in terms of performing mountain guiding services as business activity. Some other, general legislation with impact on Tourism sector - Consumer Protection Act, - Code of Obligations, - The umbrella act for companies is the Companies Act, which defines the performance of business activities in Slovenia. - Gaming Act, - Law regarding health protection, concerning products, which, appearing to be other than they are, endanger the health or safety of consumers, - Law on drown protection, implemented in the field of bathing water sanitary conditions and standards, first aid equipment and rescue procedures, baths and swimming pools technical conditions and standards and baths classification standards, - Law on trade concerning the consumer in respect of contracts negotiated away from business premises, 5

6 - Entrepreneurship Promotion Act, - Crafts Act, - Environmental protection Act, - Sports Act, etc. SECTION 2 - MEMBER STATE ECONOMIC DATA AND TOURISM BUDGETS This section is intended to provide an overview of the key statistical information about the general tourism economic environment of the Member States. Please see annex Statistics SECTION 3 NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY AND STRATEGIES This section aims at collecting information on the Member States general strategic vision as well as the specific objectives of their tourism policies Key mission, main medium and long-term objectives and the main targets of your national tourism policy. The main content-related objectives of the new strategy include: competitiveness (innovation, quality, success, knowledge, safety, added value, traffic, inflows, tourist satisfaction, destination management, consumption per visitor, deseasonalisation, etc.), quality of life and welfare (the well-being of the local population, balanced regional development, participation in tourism development, satisfaction of employees, quality of life, etc.), reputation and development of Slovenian tourism (the priority of tourism, partnership for development, public-private partnership, tourism as viewed by other activities, etc.), Slovenia's recognisability and reputation in the world (recognisability on foreign markets, market brand, image of Slovenia, internationalisation, etc.). All these objectives are accompanied by the basic orientation towards sustainable development, the concern for economic, socio-cultural and natural environment, management of the environmental impacts and quality of the environment, transition to a low-carbon society, etc. As already pointed out, it is sustainable development that forms the strategic basis dictating steps and projects to be taken next, and that will allow the international expert and wider community to identify Slovenia as an excellent, green, active, healthy and pleasurable destination to visit and do business with. 6

7 3.2. Multi-annual national tourism strategy specific / relevant for tourism Slovenian Tourism Development Strategy was adopted by the Government of Republic of Slovenia in June 2012 and is titled Partnership for the Sustainable Development of Slovenian Tourism. The Partnership for the Sustainable Development of Slovenian Tourism (the working title of the new tourism strategy) is based on experience of the previous two decades and discoveries from at least a century before that, on the theoretical knowledge and findings from the fifteen years of the Slovenian Tourist Board's operations, cooperation between the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Slovenian Tourist Board and stakeholders from the private and civil society sectors and, especially, on a very clear image of what we want to achieve in the future. 3 Emphasis is placed on the sustainable concept of tourism development in all areas and levels. In general, there are three development areas, but the main goal of the national tourism strategy is actually to achieve synergy among all of them: increasing competitiveness, favourable business environment, effective and innovative marketing. These development areas include investments in quality and innovation, 'climbing' the international ladders of competitiveness in both tourism in general as well as its components and areas, development of strategic partnerships within the sector and with external stakeholders, elimination of obstacles for successful tourism development, development of measurement methods for various statistics and indicators, including Tourism Satellite Accounts and increasing the cultural level of evaluation and competence, etc. The main quantitative objectives are: increase the volume of tourist activity (tourism turnover: revenues and profit from the hospitality and tourism sector, number of tourists, number of overnight stays): number of overnight stays: 2 % (annual growth rate), number of tourist arrivals: 4 % (annual growth rate), inflow from the export of travel: 6 %-8 % (annual growth rate). In order to reach the above objectives, it is necessary that: the principles of sustainable development of tourism are effectively enforced, a favourable business environment is ensured, higher quality to be achieved and conditions to be established that should lead to greater competitiveness of Slovenian tourism, efficient and innovative marketing and promotion of Slovenia as an attractive tourist destination should be implemented according to Action plan. Monitoring: The working group for monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy of Slovenian Tourism is established and is composed of representative of all the stakeholders partners for sustainable tourism development (representatives of all the ministries, tourism industry, civil society, etc.). The meetings of this working group are at least twice a year. 3 The strategy is based on the premises of two research papers: The Analysis of Slovenian Tourism from 1991 to 2010 (Turistica, 2011), and The Expert Groundwork for the Development and Marketing Strategy of Slovenian Tourism (The Institute for Tourism of the Faculty of Economics, Slovenian Tourist Board, 2011). 7

8 4. TOURISM CHALLENGES, MEASURES AND INITIATIVES This section aims at collecting information on the challenges the Member states and the tourism industry has to deal with as well as the measures put in place to tackle them Key challenges for the tourism sector CHALLENGES Diversification of the tourism offer Protection of the cultural heritage Protection of the natural heritage ICT and innovation Connectivity and transport Employment in tourism Improving education and skills in tourism Combatting seasonality Demographic changes Improving accessibility of tourism Improving socio-economic data in tourism Economic crisis and recovery Improving the sustainability of tourism offer Combatting climate change Improving the quality of tourism offer Developing responsible tourism practices Competition against other destinations Administrative / regulatory burden, bureaucracy Other, please specify (Sustainable development) IMPORTANCE / PRIORITY HIGH MEDIUM LOW 8

9 4.2. Main measures aimed at tackling the key high-priority challenges indicated above The new strategy has three objectives, with a continued focus on close co-operation between national, regional and local administrations and the private sector: Increasing competitiveness by further development and promotion of tourism destinations at the regional and local levels, improving destination management techniques, encouraging SME networking and clustering to produce efficient and competitive supply chains, improving employee qualifications and competences, encouraging innovation and diversification, and promoting investments in green infrastructure; Creating a healthy business environment by providing a favourable regulatory framework for SMEs, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and providing appropriate financial and other incentives; Taking an innovative approach towards the marketing and promotion of destination Slovenia, with clearly positioned and well-targeted tourism products, and an emphasis on digital technologies, e-marketing and virtual advertising and promotion campaigns. 1. Sustainable development, protection of natural and cultural heritage: Slovenian tourism policy is founded on an overall sustainable development paradigm, based on long-term use of the fundamental development potentials of tourism natural, cultural, social and man-made resources. Slovenia has produced the appropriate supportive sector planning documents, legislation and implementing measures with a broad impact on tourism. Particularly important is legislation concerning protected areas (national, regional and landscapes parks, Natura 2000 areas), which represent the basis for nature-friendly tourist products. Construction of tourist infrastructure and residential construction in protected areas is subject to obligatory environmental impact assessment and environmental capacity assessment (Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive.) Over one third of the Slovenian territory is part of the European network Natura To support sustainable tourism projects, the Government assesses applications under calls for tenders for co-financing construction of tourism infrastructure and additionally encourages investors that associate investment projects with sustainable criteria on preservation and revitalisation of cultural heritage, and environment-oriented green investments. The STB supports development and promotes cultural tourism products of national importance. Minimising resource use and the production of waste is part of Slovenia's environment policy. There are no specific and direct measures within the tourism policy focusing on reducing resource use and production of waste. Slovenia promotes and stimulates (with specific public grants) EU Flower standards implementation by Slovene accommodations (hotels, guesthouses, camps, etc.). For the purposes of long-term conservation of natural resources as health drinking water and clean air, Slovenia has elaborated different sectors planning documents, legislation and implementation measures in the area of air and water quality (drinking water and waste water), construction of housing and construction of industrial facilities regulations in terms of modern sewage systems, adequate spatial planning, including environmental impact assessments and environmental capacity assessments of all investment projects in tourism. 9

10 2. Employment in tourism, improving education and skills in tourism The gap between demand and supply of adecvately skilled work force in Slovene tourism as well as low stimulation of employees are the major problems partucilraly in Slovene Hotel and Catering Industry. Inscription in tourism and hospitality schools have been decreasing in recent years (this year the results are betters, there were more intereset for the professions in hospitality industry (e.g. cook). To improve this situation, the Slovenian tourism administration in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce - Chamber of Tourism and Catering, Chamber of Craft and Small Business, National Institute for Vocational Education and Training as well as the Employment Service of Slovenia organises workshops, seminars and media campaigns to support and promote vocational, entrepreneurial skills in tourism and hospitality-related jobs. We co-ordinate activities within the Coordination expert working group, where partners are also representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Eyouality and Workers Trade Union/ (GiT) that represents workers in Hospitality and Tourism sector and is a member of the European Trade Unions for Hospitality and Tourism the EFFAT. Some tourism and hospitality companies have been awarded with Family Friendly Enterprise Certificate. This awarding project stimulates employers for providing favourable working conditions and environment for employees. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund. With adoption of the Law on Social Entrepreneurship in 2011 which will make feasible the responsible tourism entrepreneurship and establishment of Social Tourism SMEs as well, the first base for socially responsible and sustainable tourism in Slovenia has been made. In 2010 and 2011, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology organised workshops called Contemporary style of human resources management for tourism industry. 3. Improving the quality of tourism offer One of the main measures of the Slovenian tourism strategy is improving the quality of tourism products and services at the level of service providers in tourism, destination and at the state level) and increasing competitiveness. Its objective is high quality of tourism products and services (regarding the technical and functional aspects) recognised as a driver for competitiveness and market differentiation. 4. Diversification of the tourism offer, ICT and innovation The SPIRIT Slovenia Public Agency, Tourism Division stimulates creation of various tourist products by stimulating innovations, creativity and by organising seminars, workshops and consultations for tourism industry. According to the geographic position of our country, its interesting history, rich natural and cultural heritage as well as variegated gastronomy, we have very diverse tourist offer and many possibilities for tourist products creation. Within it s annual working programme the SPIRIT Public Agency supports creativity, innovation and the design of new products and services througr the projects: the Sower Award Competition,The Weaver Award competition and the Bank of Tourism Potentials. Our goal is: providing, through innovative and more attractive tourism products and services, increased competitiveness and profitability of Slovenian tourism and a transition to a green/sustainable economy. Developing innovation at all levels and in all sectors (product, service, destination, organisation, process, technology, marketing communication, cooperation, etc.) 5. Improving accessibility of tourism Our aim is Improving sustainable transport accessibility. Ensuring improved accessibility of Slovenia, in particular, through air and rail connections, to increase competitiveness. Introduction of the environmentally-friendly (green) means of transport in public passenger transport (in particular in rail and sea transport). 10

11 6. Combatting seasonality Encouraging the development of the existing tourism products (e.g. spa/health resort services, meetings industry services, etc.) and creating new tourism products and services to reduce the seasonal characteristics of tourist demand (e.g. a re-introduction of at least two winter school holiday periods) Legislative measures if any -at EU level related to the above mentioned challenges The EU Service Directive (allowing unimpeded cross-border services transactions by tourism companies and individuals), and the Consumers Directive (providing additional safety and protection for consumers, especially in online markets) as well as the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications have been implemented Measures implemented to increase tourism flows from other EU Member States and from third countries. We wish Slovenia to become a recognisable and highly-positioned destination for target segments. In order to increase the recognisability and reach the desired ranking as a tourist destination on selected sending markets for Slovenian tourism and among the selected target groups, the consistent use of the brand of Slovenia is to be provided in the entire tourism economy and, at the same time, cooperation with other targeted fields of the brand of Slovenia is to be intensified. Adequate resources for better promotion and internationalisation of tourism must be provided. Tourism products need to be clearly positioned, and intensively and efficiently marketed on individual markets. Slovenia is to be innovatively and efficiently marketed through activities of digital marketing and the integration of e-marketing and classic marketing. It is essential that Slovenia also be innovatively and efficiently marketed in the virtual world using modern marketing tools and the integration of e-marketing and classic marketing. The tourist sector is to have a key role in the management of Unique Selling Proposition (a.k.a. USP) of Slovenian tourism. It is essential that partnerships of all public, private and civil entities of tourism be established, and the activities harmonised and implemented with the aim of achieving synergistic effects at all levels of operation. Measures implemented in our country to increase tourism flows: In order to increase the number of tourist arrivals, overnight stays and inflow in the next strategic period, an effective market communication at all levels is to be provided, quickly adapting to changed situation in the market and increasing the funds invested by all the stakeholders in tourism. The SPIRIT Public Agency (Tourism devision) is ensuring effective marketing communication on foreign markets and in Slovenia. Activities: Market segmentation and action planning within the following three clusters of foreign markets: key European markets (mainly B2C activities), other European markets (mainly B2B activities), overseas markets (B2B activities). Preparation and design of an effective marketing network by individual market through enhancement of the financial input (marketing, PR, fairs and stock exchanges, other forms of conventional and e-marketing). Data acquisition, analysis and processing with the aim of producing a marketing network. Implementation of specialised product stock exchanges in Slovenia (Slovenia as initiator of product networking in the South-East Europe). Promotional activities carried out on remote markets, in cooperation with other European 11

12 countries. Establishment of tourist information points abroad and definition of establishment policy and functioning. System of demonstrations for the promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination organised for the employees of diplomatic or consular representations to become active ambassadors of tourism How promotional measures implemented make use of / capitalise on the promotional campaigns carried out by the Commission (i.e. Ready for Europe, EDEN, low-season tourism campaigns, etc.) The Slovenian Tourist Board decided to participate in the EDEN project in order to identify and award the most sustainable or green destinations that follow the principles of environmental, socially responsible, and cultural sustainability, thus stimulating their further development and integration. EDEN's winning destinations are the Soča Valley (2008), the Solčavsko region (2009), the Kolpa River (2010), Idrija (2011) and Laško (2013). The Slovenian EDEN network consists of 12 destinations (winning destinations and the finalists). The winners use this brand in marketing successfully. In our national strategy, the EDEN project is a part of the marketing core area named Adventures in nature Measures /actions which contribute to maximising the potential of national policies for developing tourism (e.g. ensuring that tourism interests are taken into account in the development of other policies which may have impact on tourism) The Slovenian Tourism Strategy was adopted by the Government in 2012 and is a partnership document being prepared and harmonized with all the ministries responsible for areas that may have impact on tourism. There is a working group monitoring the implementation of the Strategy composed of representatives of all the stakeholders. That ensures that tourism interests are taken into account in the development of other policies that may have impact on tourism Measures/actions which contribute to maximising the potential of EU Financial Instruments for developing tourism (e.g. information on main objectives, financing opportunities, training courses, etc.). With a view to reducing seasonality and the discordance of regional development in tourism, Slovenia had stimulated in last years investments in tourism infrastructure with different public incentives and ERDF grants. The results of investment projects in tourism infrastructure supported by the Ministry of Economic development and Technology by ERDF grants in the period (the New Financial Perspective): There were 99 projects of investments in tourism infrastructure supported by ERDF grants in this period, co-financed in the value of ,13 EUR. The total value of the projects was: ,38 EUR. In our estimation these investments created new tourist beds and new employments/jobs. The investments were in: Accomodation facilities (hotels, apparments, etc.), Ski resors facilities, Wellness and SPA centres, Golf courses, Mountain huts. There were also 45 projects of tourism promotion supported by ERDF grants, co-financed in the value of ,30, in these frame also 12 Regional destination Organizations (DMOs) were established and 2 are in the process of establishing. 12

13 4.8 EU programmes most frequently and for what purposes of tourism development Slovenia endeavours to encourage trade and tourism service transactions through bilateral and inter-governmental free trade agreements, and agreements on economic and development co-operation. Within the EU, these processes are mainly carried out within Objective 3: European Territorial Co-operation. With a view to reducing seasonality and the discordance of regional development in tourism, Slovenia had stimulated in last years investments in tourism infrastructure with different public incentives and ERDF grants. Sustainable and responsible tourism, whether talking about economic, social or environmental sustainability, is a broad concept and may be interpreted in various ways depending on the attributes of a Member State or region. The following questions focus on sustainability and responsibility in tourism as described in the 2007 Commission Communication 4 on an agenda for sustainable and competitive European tourism Sustainable destination: What support is given to strengthen destination management at the national /regional/local level (e.g. supportive policy environment, knowledge networks, training programmes, technological support tools, financial support, promotional activities, etc.)? Slovenian tourism policy is founded on an overall sustainable development paradigm, based on long-term use of the fundamental development potentials of tourism natural, cultural, social and man-made resources. A new slogan and tourism national brand, I feel Slovenia, was adopted. Slovenia carries out periodic evaluations of the five-year tourism development strategies, with progress also examined each year at the Slovenian Tourism Forum. Slovenia has been participating in the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project since In this time, destinations of excellence have been declared in Slovenia. In the period Regional destination organizations have been established and supported by Ministry of the Economic Development and Technology and ERDF funds Sustainable businesses: What support is given to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism businesses (e.g. supportive policy environment, knowledge networks, orientation of business support services to sustainability, training, financial incentives, promotional activities, etc.)? Slovenia promotes and stimulates (with specific public grants) EU Flower standards implementation by Slovene accommodations (hotels, guesthouses, camps, etc.). For the purposes of long-term conservation of natural resources as health drinking water and clean air, Slovenia has elaborated different sectors planning documents, legislation and implementation measures in the area of air and water quality (drinking water and waste water), construction of housing and construction of industrial /index_en.htm 13

14 facilities regulations in terms of modern sewage systems, adequate spatial planning, including environmental impact assessments and environmental capacity assessments of all investment projects in tourism Responsible tourism: What support is given to tourists and the tourism industry to promote their responsible practices and choices (e.g. awareness raising, sustainability in education, national marketing and media campaigns, promotion of certification schemes, etc.)? We prepare seminars and workshops for tourism industry. Tourism Association of Slovenia (civil society organization) carries out some activities for local communities, young people and schools, etc. to promote responsible practices and choices. These activities are cofinanced by the SPIRIT Slovenia Public agency Most significant planned / future tourism measures (legislative or non-legislative) which envisage to impact travellers visiting the country from other Member States or from outside Europe. In order to increase the number of tourist arrivals, overnight stays and inflow in the next strategic period, an effective market communication at all levels is to be provided, quickly adapting to changed situation in the market and increasing the funds invested by all the stakeholders in tourism. The SPIRIT Public Agency (Tourism division) is ensuring effective marketing communication on foreign markets and in Slovenia. We are preparing the new Tourism promotion Act, which is planned to be adopted in ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 5.1. Three best practices of tourism measures implemented at national, regional or local level - Regional destination organizations (DMOs) were established, - Projects for stimulation of innovations and creativity carried out by SPIRIT Slovenia - EU flower certificate for accommodation facilities 5.2. What policy developments / actions / activities would you expect from the Commission's tourism team that would serve better (than the current ones) the EU Member States and the industry - public tenders for tourism industry and DMOs (financial support of projects) - workshops for tourism administration and tourism industry, - stimulations for innovations and creativity, - stimulations for employees in tourism and hospitality sector, - equal system of categorisation of accommodation facilities (equal quality standards), - promotion of vocations and vocational education in tourism and hospitality. 14