In the 2017 survey, Slovenia scored an average of 4.18 out of seven based on assessments in 14 elements of competitiveness comprising 100 indicators.

In the 2015 survey, Slovenia placed 39th among 141 countries. It has been falling in the rankings since 2011 when it stood at 33rd.

Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek expressed disappointment with the latest ranking.

"Considering the many activities implemented by the ministry and the Slovenian Tourism Board, we had expected more, to be honest," the minister said in a written response.

But he added that the WEF analysis was always taken as an "important indicator of our realistic position and competitiveness and as a signpost of where changes are needed".

Among individual parameters of competitiveness, Slovenia ranked highest in environmental sustainability (10th spot) and security (17th).

The country also fared well in terms of ground and port infrastructure (20th) and tourism infrastructure (25th), but worse in prioritisation of travel and tourism (47th).

As in the previous surveys, Slovenia scored poorly in air transport infrastructure (76th), cultural resources and business travel (92nd) and business environment (80th).

The Economy Ministry blamed the latter mainly on the impact of tax on labour and investment.

On the other hand, Počivalšek was happy about the high ranking in environmental sustainability, where it said the country climbed as many as 57 spots.

He also noted a 26-spot improvement in the country's business environment ranking, which he took as a sign that measures to improve regulatory efficiency had produced results.

Referring to insufficient air transport accessibility, the minister said this would have to be tackled considering the country's goal to generate EUR 3.7bn to 4bn in inflow from tourism.

The global tourism competitiveness rankings continue to be topped by Spain, France and Germany.