The best of Ljubljana
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Written by: Anita Lišková & Todd Shaw
Photo by: www.isifa.com
Since its break from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia is no longer the well-kept secret for travelers it once was. Nevertheless, its persistently peaceful capital, curled under its castle-topped hill, is still a wonderful antidote to much of Europe’s crowds and high prices.
| Robert Castelein Director, Assurance and Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers Favorite hotel: Grand Hotel Union, Miklošiceva 1, tel.: +386 1 308 1270 Favorite restaurant: Chez Eric, Mestni trg 3, tel.: +386 1 251 2839 Favorite attraction: The architecture in the old town, especially the work of the architect Joze Plećnik. Best-kept secret: Red wine from Capo d’Istria. Advice: Don’t limit yourself to Ljubljana – there is wonderful countryside to be seen one hour’s drive in the Alpine mountains (e.g. Bohinj Lake) and the coast (e.g Piran). |
| Matjaz Puc Minister counsellor, Slovenian embassyFavorite hotel: Grand Hotel Union, Miklošiceva 1, tel.: +386 1 308 1270 Favorite restaurant: Gostilna Lovec, Trg MDB 1, tel.: +386 1 426 5708 Favorite attraction: Sunday morning walks in the flea market. Best-kept secret: Little Plečnik’s church on Barja (south from Ljubljana). Favorite shop: Maximarket, Trg republike 1, tel.: +386 1 476 68 00 Advice: Don’t drink too much Slovenian beer. |
| Davor Nikolič director for outgoing services, Kompas PrahaFavorite hotel: Grand Hotel Union, Miklošiceva 1, tel.: +386 1 426 4508 Favorite restaurant: Pri Škofu, Rečna Cesta 8, tel.: +386 1 426 4508 Favorite night club: Bachus center, Kongresni trg, tel.: +386 1 241 8243 Favorite attraction: Old part of Ljubljana including the castle Favorite shop: Emporium, Letališka 3, tel.: +386 1 584 4800 BTC, Šmartinska 152, tel.: +386 1 585 1100 Best kept secret: Café Maček, Krojaska 5, tel.: +386 1 425 3791 Have a coffee in the Maček café during the late afternoon. Advice: Visit Ljubljana during the summer, or on the contrary, in December, when the atmosphere in the streets is magic and the city is full of festivals. The best option is to rent a room in Ljublana and to make trips to the other parts of Slovenia. |
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Where on the web?
For further information, we suggest the following websites dedicated to Ljubljana:
www.slovenia-tourism.si/?_ctg_regije=11&lng=2 – the official site of the Slovenian travel board is, not surprisingly, full of useful and interesting information.
www.ljubljana-tourism.si/index.cgi?body=a11 – one page from this website, featuring useful business contacts.
www.escapeartist.com/slovenia/economy.html – further links to sites focused on business and economy
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/slovenia/ – a less formal look at the country and it’s attractions
www.books-maps.com/SI/ – faktická online databáze map, leteckých snímků, obrázků pamětihodností a zajímavostí a průvodců slovinskými městy.
Business etiquette
· Social and business customs do not differ greatly from those in the rest of Europe, and in business are very similar to Austria and Germany. Negotiations are as likely to be carried out over lunch or dinner as they are in the office. Initial contacts are normally made between people of a comparable standing.
· In business, English is almost considered the second “official” language (after Slovene), followed by German and Italian. Almost all businessmen also speak Serbian and Croat, which facilitates business negotiations in the republics of former Yugoslavia.
· Attention is paid to academic and professional titles and to the standing of individuals within their organization. Visitors need to dress appropriately for the season, but there are no special clothing requirements for Slovenia. Dress codes are similar to Austria and Northern Italy.
Source: www.cityguide.travel-guides.com
Business profile
· With a rich industrial history, a traditional openness to the rest of the world, rational economic policies, and proven economic development, Slovenia is among the most successful countries in transition from socialism to a market economy. Due to excellent geographic location and good economic performance, Slovenia has become an attractive site for commmercial headquarters, while business travelers and tourists alike appreciate its diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage.
· Like the rest of the country, the greatest number of businesses in the capital are engaged in trade and commerce, followed by industry, services, real estate, construction, transport, and communications. Following independence, entrepreneurship began to develop intensively, and today more than 90% of the city’s companies are classified as small business enterprises.
· Agriculture, forestry, and fishing represents a comparatively low 2% of GDP, while industry and construction comprise over one-third of the total. As in most industrial economies, services make up an increasing share of output (60.1%), notably in the financial sector.
· The Slovene flow of trade has been largely aimed at the European Union, particularly Germany, Italy, Austria, and France, while increasing cooperation with existing partners is oriented toward new markets in countries of the former Yugoslavia, the United States, and Russia.
· For updated weekly business information and useful commercial links, visit the Slovenian Business Weekly website: http://www.gzs.si/eng/news/sbw/