STA, 19 January 2019 - Maribor plans to join forces with nearby towns this year to expand what it has to offer to tourists and keep visitors in the region longer. Slovenia's second biggest city is betting on its assets in sports, culture, wine and cuisine, city tourism and conference tourism.

The Maribor - Pohorje Tourism Institute is working on a new four-year regional tourism strategy as the current one expires in 2020.

Maribor and 22 municipalities in the region will strive to attract guests with experiences they are offering in sports, culture, wine and cuisine, city tourism and conference tourism.

The Institute's head Doris Urbančič Windisch thinks the region should emphasise what distinguishes it from the rest of Slovenia. "We'll encourage our guests to stay at least two or three nights," she told the STA.

Urbančič Windisch sees great potential in Maribor's Old Vine, the world's oldest vine. The Old Vine can be a starting point for many gastronomic and cultural experiences, including in cooperation with nearby towns, she said.

Brochures presenting the region's sports infrastructure and facilities are also under way.

The data on nights and arrivals for 2018 are not in yet, but the institute expects the growth recorded in the first ten months to continue.

Between January and the end of October, 30% more nights were generated in Maribor (379,577) and 13% more arrivals (177,799). The Maribor - Pohorje destination recorded 29% more nights (486,792) and 12% more arrivals (218,876) compared to the same period in 2017.

The Tourism Institute presented its new visual identity last year and will launch a new website this year. It will also organise a number of workshops and activities for those working in culture and tourism to create interesting holiday packages for tourists.

Urbančič Windisch highlighted inappropriate working hours of museums and low entrance fees which she says do not reflect the quality of service.

Another problem for Maribor is the lack of a five-star hotel and other infrastructure for high-end guests.

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