While overnight stays by Israeli guests in Slovenia increased by almost 11% and the number of Israeli tourists by almost 5% in 2011, the pair stressed that many opportunities remain open for cooperation in tourism.

Israeli tourists are especially fond of Slovenian spa resorts and mountains, while they also like to visit tourist farms, Žerjav said, explaining that the number of Israeli visitors also increased by almost 10% in the first four months of 2012 year-on-year.

As regards promotion, Žerjav said that "some things have already been done, but we assessed that it was too little for a major breakthrough".

While Israeli tourists are only the 14th most common visitors in Slovenia - around 30,000 visit annually -, Misezhnikov said that they were looking for new destinations.

The ministers noted that Israeli tourists were not familiar enough with Slovenia's winter destinations and usually visit Austria, Switzerland and France for skiing.

The pair also touched on the air connections between Slovenia and Israel, coming to the conclusion that only two flights a week are an "obstacle" to successful growth in tourism.

Most Slovenian visitors to Israel are pilgrim tourists, although Misezhnikov said that the figure of tourists visiting for different reasons is on the increase. Presenting Tel Aviv, he said it mostly attracts younger tourists.

The pair moreover touched on possibilities for investments into Slovenian infrastructure projects, as Israeli hoteliers are interested in investments abroad.

Misezhnikov, who is on a three-day visit that will end on Friday, was also to make a stop at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) today and visit the lakeside resort of Bled.