Austria, Slovenia and Croatia are jointly introducing a new region for American travelers that connects the Alpine scenery of southern Austria with the green forests, vibrant towns and modern cuisine of Slovenia, and the inland and Adriatic coastline gems of Croatia.
In a first combined effort, the three countries are collaborating with Condé Nast Traveler to highlight the unique aspects that make this region of Central Europe specifically suited to a slow travel approach. Shifting landscapes and abundant natural wonders, paired with a food and wine culture enable a deeper connection to this region. The group suggests planning at least 12 days to discover this experience-rich region. A first joint travel industry presence is planned for this year’s Signature Travel Network Conference this November in Las Vegas where the three countries will present the Alps-Adriatic region to hundreds of U.S.-based travel advisors.
There are numerous ways to explore the great outdoors of the region, be it cycling around some of the 200 lakes of Austria’s southern lake district in the province of Carinthia, or exploring Slovenian unique active experiences and the underground world of Postojna Cave and Peca, or sailing around Croatia’s Kvarner and Zadar region.
A special focus is given to the culinary landscape of the region, where farm-to-fork cuisine is not a recent trend, but a generations-spanning way of life. Local markets, designated slow-food villages, and restaurants spanning local food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants will beckon food lovers.
The three-country collaboration is part of a broader European effort by the European Travel Commission to attract the curious traveler and is co-funded by the European Union.