Slovenia, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic, has emerged as a hidden gem for travellers seeking more than standard hotel experiences. With its focus on sustainable tourism and authentic encounters, the country has seen a boom in alternative accommodation — from Alpine chalets in the Julian Alps to riverside pods along the Soča River (European Commission, 2020) (European Travel Commission, 2023).
Source: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
Photo 1: Alpine Chalet
Photo Credit: Rombon Chalet, Slovenia
Across the country, eco-lodges, treehouses, vineyard cottages, and glamping resorts have become popular, offering guests a combination of comfort and immersion in Slovenia’s pristine nature. Examples include Chalet Rušovec in the mountains and A-frame cabins in Soča Valley. These models show how architecture and hospitality combine with sustainability. Slovenia’s commitment to sustainable tourism extends beyond accommodation, with many eco-friendly activities and experiences being available to visitors. Hiking trails, cycling routes, and guided nature walks allow tourists to explore the country’s diverse landscapes while minimizing their environmental impact. Additionally, farm-to-table dining experiences and local artisan workshops provide opportunities for cultural immersion and support in rural communities.
Photo 2: Vineyard cottage in Dolenjska Region, Slovenia
Photo Credit: https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/tourism-in-vineyard-cottages-the-perfect-vineyard-escape
Such accommodations not only enrich the travel experience, but also revitalize rural areas. Slovenia’s commitment to regenerative tourism makes it a leader in this area, offering valuable lessons for other European regions. (Tourism From Zero, 2021)
Source: https://www.tourismfromzero.org/en/
Photo 3: Glamping Resort: Garden Village Bled, Slovenia
Photo Credit: https://www.gardenvillagebled.com/en/
How do alternative accommodations in Slovenia impact local economies compared with traditional hotels?
Compared to traditional hotels, alternative accommodations in Slovenia have a distinctive impact on local economies by diversifying the tourism sector and creating different economic opportunities. These accommodations, such as river pods and alpine chalets, often foster a more direct connection between tourists and local communities, which can enhance economic opportunities in less-tourist-heavy regions. They provide localized benefits by encouraging spending on nearby businesses and promoting cultural and environmental sustainability.
While traditional hotels often dominate urban and well-trodden tourist paths, alternative accommodations attract visitors to more rural and diverse areas, potentially spreading economic benefits more evenly across the country. This diversification aligns with broader trends in the global hospitality industry, where the rising demand for unique experiences encourages growth in non-traditional accommodation. This trend supports local vendors and artisans, contributing to microeconomic development that might be less noticeable in urban areas dominated by large hotels (Josimović et al., 2025).
Moreover, alternative accommodations can adapt quickly to changes in market demands and preferences, offering more personalized and unique experiences owing to their smaller and often independently managed nature. This flexibility is contrasted with traditional hotels, which might focus more on standardized services and amenities to serve a broad audience, often linked to larger hotel chains (Provotorina et al., 2020).
These alternative accommodations also significantly contribute to sustainability goals by utilizing energy-efficient designs and promoting eco-friendly practices. This focus not only appeals to environmentally conscious travelers, but also helps in maintaining the natural landscapes that are often central to Slovenia’s appeal as a tourist destination. Hotels, although increasingly adopting sustainable practices, may do so on a broader scale but sometimes lack the intimate community engagement seen with smaller, alternative accommodations (Papallou et al., 2024).
Overall, while traditional hotels have a significant and structured impact on local economies, especially in urban centers and famous tourist resorts, alternative accommodations in Slovenia offer a complementary economic dynamic that emphasizes local engagement, sustainable practices, and the geographical distribution of tourism benefits.
The Epic Stays Contribution to European Alternative Tourism
Epic Stays facilitate cross-border learning, ensuring that best practices from each country are shared and implemented across Europe. The project aligns with the EU objectives to enhance alternative accommodation through the following:
• Training and Education: Equipping SMEs with knowledge of sustainability, heritage tourism, and digital transformation. See the Modules and Case Studies sections.
• Networking and Collaboration: Creating a pan-European community of alternative accommodation providers. Connect and join our hybrid conferences or clinics.
• Quality and Standards Development: Promoting consistency in alternative tourism while celebrating national uniqueness.
“Diversity is the strength of European tourism. By learning from each other, we create a more sustainable and immersive travel experience.” European Travel Commission.
A Collective Path to Tourism Excellence Each European country offers a distinct alternative tourism experience, shaped by cultural traditions, policy frameworks, and regional priorities. Epic Stays ensure that these unique approaches contribute to a high-quality, innovative, and sustainable European tourism sector.
References:
Josimović, M., Ćoćkalo, D., Osmanović, S., Cvjetković, M., & Radivojević, N. (2025). The Influence of Competitiveness Factors on Sustainable Business Performance in the Hotel Industry: From the Perspective of the Perception of Hotel Service Users. Sustainability, 17(5), 2277. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052277
Papallou, E., Katafygiotou, M., & Dimopoulos, T. (2024). Emerging Sustainability Trends in Tourist Facilities: A Comparative Assessment of Multiple Hotels and Resorts. Sustainability, 16(9), 3536. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093536
Provotorina, V., Kazmina, L., Makarenko, V., Petrenko, A. (2020). The development of the Hotel Business as a Component of the Regional Tourism Industry (pp. 20–32). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6208-6_3
