Opened to walkers in May, the eastern European destination now features a 173-mile hiking route through its Julian Alps.

The circular course – divided into 16 sections of about 10 miles each – leads walkers from the border with Italy via the Kranjska Gora region, the Sava River and the Soca Valley.

It also encompasses the shores of Lake Bled before heading up into the Triglav national park under the shadow of mount Triglav.

Other highlights of the route include the Bohinj region and Slovenia’s “sweetest town”, Radovljica, where the country’s lectar, or decorated gingerbread, is made.

Meanwhile, ahead of Slovenia becoming European Region of Gastronomy in 2021, the country is putting its efforts behind its culinary tourism.

Speaking to TTG at WTM London, Karmen Novarlic, head of business communication at the Slovenian Tourist Board, said the country wanted visitors to “experience our nature” – from active tourism with the trail to the promotion of its farm-to-table dining.

Slovenia’s gastronomy push will centre on a campaign launching next year featuring some of the country’s most successful chefs.

Novarlic claimed despite visitor numbers for 2019 being “on par” with levels in 2018 the destination was enjoying increased volumes from the UK, France, Scandinavia and Russia.

Slovenia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2021 – which Novarlic said would offer “a very important” chance for the country to promote itself and its tourism further to its European neighbours.

“Tourism is so important to our whole country – it brings in 13% of our GDP – so we will look ahead to 2021 and put plans in place.”