Marjan Hribar, the head of Tourism and Internationalisation Directorate of the Economy Ministry, told the STA that preliminary data for tourism for the first 11 months in 2012 was very good.

Slovenia intends to keep up promotional activities also in 2013, which could prove even more successful, as the country has been discovered by many global tourist guides, according to the Slovenian Tourism Board (STO).

Fodor's placed Slovenia on its list of 25 places to go in 2013, describing the country as "an undiscovered sliver of Europe with modern style and classic charm."

Lonely Planet believes the country is one of the best value destinations for 2013, saying "Slovenia is as picture-perfect as Switzerland or other Alpine areas to the north, but much smaller and easier on the wallet."

"If you're keen on trekking, skiing, rafting or simply taking in the scenery of one of Europe's most attractive countries then Slovenia will not disappoint," says Lonely Planet.

Switchback Travel, a guide for the lovers of the great outdoors, placed Slovenia onto its top ten list of adventure destinations in 2013, labelling the country a "powerhouse for those who love the outdoors". It recommends hut-to-hut hiking in the Julian Alps.

Moreover, the Japanese edition of Austrian Airlines in-flight magazine featured a 16-page article about the country.

Press agency Reuters moreover reported that online travel advisor VirtualTourist.com listed Slovenia's ski resort Kranjska Gora among its top destination for skiers and non-skiers.