While the number of tourists in Slovenia grew by another 14.6% to 4.9 million last year, the average duration of their stay is 2.5 days, which is where Počivalšek sees room for improvement.

The minister would also like to see new destinations emerging, although Economy Ministry State Secretary Eva Štravs Podlogar noted Slovenia was lucky to have the 34 top destinations dispersed around the country, in 60 municipalities.

Also positive is that the nights spent by tourists, whose number grew to a record 12.5m last year, are stretched throughout the entire tourist season. Podlogar added that the goal was to disperse them to the entire year.

Meanwhile, Počivalšek, who appealed to the mayors' reason and called for responsible policies, also touched on continuing issues in the sector, including staff shortages.

While arguing that the current employment system failed to stimulate workers or retired people who would still wish to work, the minister mentioned the possibility of securing staff from abroad, for instance from Ukraine and Georgia with which agreements to this effect have already been signed.