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The tourism sector has certainly had a promising start to 2015 and early indications are that this summer the demand for a table by the river in our capital will be high. The runway is open for a record season with 160 regular weekly flights to 27 European destinations from Ljubljana's airport which also sees the return of Swiss International Airlines and Finnair, and Turkish Airlines doubling their weekly connections to Istanbul.

Following the release of the latest Slovenian Economic Mirror, which states that most of the confidence indicators in the Slovenian economy are continuing to improve, Bostjan Vasle from the Institute of Macroeconomic Development shares his views on current business environment.
The hot topic for business continues to be whether the government will continue with the privatisation programme started under the government of Alenka Bratušek. "Slovenia's top priorities are to determine the scope of privatisation and clearly signal the expectations" was the main statement that summed up the discussion at April's AmCham Business Breakfast where, once again, the topic of privatisation in Slovenia was addressed with both positive and negative experiences about the process from the point of view of two foreign investors.

A lot is happening in both the tourist and business sectors this year with Slovenia's neighbour, Italy, hosting the World Expo in Milan starting on 1 May through to 31 October. The Slovenian government has invested EUR 4m to build one of the most attractive pavilions with the goal to raise the profile of Slovenia as the country of choice for both business and leisure with their slogan of 'Green, Active, Healthy'.

In April, the news that the Dutch group, Heineken, had signed an agreement to purchase a majority stake in local brewer, Pivovarna Laško , was positively received particularly as Heineken stated at a press conference that they would retain both the local brands - Union and Laško. The brewery has had its fair share of troubles in recent years with the failed management buy-out by Boško Srot who subsequently went on a spending spree which left the company with significant debt and an uncertain future. Not only will Heineken bring stability to the company, they will also provide knowledge and enable Lasko to return to their brewing roots.

To get the full taste and vibrancy of sLOVEnia, enjoy the local brew and have some summer fun we recommend you stop for a bite to eat at Odprta Kuhinja (Open Kitchen). Every Friday during summer, at the Ljubljana market place in the centre of town, local restaurants tempt with specialities from their kitchen.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and find your taste of spring.