Around 70 senior representatives of the sector from 30 countries are expected to attend, the Slovenian Tourism Board (STO) announced.

According to the STO, the event will help Slovenia position itself as an important European tourist destination.

European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc will attend the proceedings on Thursday. "Tourism and transport are closely connected. Transport links places and makes them accessible, which is a prerequisite for tourism development," Bulc was quoted by the STO as saying.

The ECTAA has declared Slovenia a preferred destination for 2016 and is promoting its as such.

"Slovenia has what it takes to become Europe's top tourist destination," ECTAA head Lars Thykier said on this occasion, the same source said.

STO director Maja Pak meanwhile sees the ECTAA's decision to highlight Slovenia and pick the country as the host of its annual general assembly as a "great honour" and an opportunity to present the country as a "green, healthy, active, unique, sustainable and safe destination".

The ECTAA operates as an umbrella organisation connecting national travel and tourism associations and agencies from 30 European countries and covering around 70,000 tourism providers. It was established in 1961.

The annual general assembly is its most important event and an opportunity for representatives of members states to meet, exchange experience and decide on key issues.

As part of the session, ECTAA new head will be appointed.