27 November 2019 – Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021 will be soon included in Michelin Guide collection, as announced during the Days of Slovenian Tourism event on 12 November 2019 in Ljubljana.
An important step in the positioning of the country as a five-star culinary destination, the initiative acknowledges Slovenia’s efforts to increase the international visibility of its unique gastronomy as planned in the Sustainable Development Strategy of Slovenia 2017-2021 and the Action Plan for the Development and Marketing of Gastronomic Tourism of Slovenia 2019-2023, under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and the Slovenian Tourist Board.
“At the intersection of different landscapes and cultures, Slovenia presents a unique destination with exceptional natural assets and a strong sustainable commitment that enables the production of the highest quality ingredients” affirmed Michelin Sales and Marketing Director, Romain Perrier who continued: “Talented Slovenian chefs transform these into unique culinary creations that, through the Michelin Guide reviewers’ eyes, position Slovenia as a must-visit destination.”
Slovenia’s Michelin guide will be published in March 2020 and according to Eva Štravs Podlogar, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development in Technology, it comes with perfect timing, since “after defining that gastronomy is one of the five key products of Slovenian tourism in the strategy of sustainable tourism growth and obtaining the title European Region of Gastronomy 2021, Slovenia has committed to undertake activities that will strengthen the recognition of Slovenian gastronomy.”
“Michelin stars will serve as an additional motivation for top Slovenian chefs” added Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, Msc. Maja Pak who claimed that “also, the providers of other high-end experiences will be challenged in the direction of creating boutique stories that will go well with superb cuisine. The arrival of Michelin is the result of the efforts of various participants in Slovenian tourism, who recognise top gastronomy as one of the key products that fulfils the vision of Slovenia as a boutique country with experiences for demanding guests.”
She concluded stating that “next to Gault&Millau and the obtaining of the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2021, Michelin presents a milestone in our great story and additional motivation for the future work, which will continue with positioning gastronomy as the lead theme for the upcoming two years.”
About the Regions of Gastronomy Platform
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the Regions of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the Young Chef Award, the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.
Photo credit: Nino Verdnik, Blenda