Q1: What makes your destination truly unique for meeting planners?
Slovenia offers a unique blend of versatility, stunning landscapes, and top-tier services for any event. Despite its small size, the country boasts four distinct regions, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean shores, all easily accessible. This makes Slovenia ideal for meetings, conferences, and incentive travel.
The country is rich in natural beauty, with options for outdoor activities and picturesque venues like lakes, castles, and vineyards. Slovenia is also renowned for its gourmet cuisine and fine wines, providing unforgettable dining experiences, from wine tastings to farm-to-table meals.
With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge business facilities, Slovenia ensures smooth logistics and an innovative environment for meetings. Whether in its vibrant capital or scenic countryside, Slovenia delivers memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Q2: If your destination were a personality, how would you describe it?
Slovenia is like that adventurous, down-to-earth friend who’s always up for anything—whether it’s hiking mountains, sipping wine, or diving into deep conversations. It’s small but full of character, balancing rugged wilderness with charming cities. Warm and welcoming, yet a bit private at first. A nature lover, a foodie, and a storyteller all in one.
Q3: What are the three key experiences that every event attendee should have when visiting your hotel?
When visiting Slovenia or Ljubljana, every event attendee should experience the unique charm of the destination through a few key moments. First, they should explore Ljubljana’s historic centre, wandering through its enchanting cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque bridges, such as the famous Triple Bridge.
Additionally, tasting Slovenia’s culinary delights is a must. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to hearty Alpine cuisine, Slovenia offers a wide variety of local delicacies. Attendees can enjoy these flavours at one of Ljubljana’s top restaurants or at an exclusive event, paired with Slovenian wines made from locally sourced ingredients. The entire country is a gourmet experience, with Slovenia boasting eight Michelin-starred restaurants and over 50 Michelin-recognized establishments. Whether it’s the innovative dishes crafted by award-winning chefs or the charming, family-run bistros, Slovenia’s culinary scene promises something for every palate, making it a true gastronomic destination.
Finally, experiencing Slovenia’s natural beauty is an essential part of the journey. With stunning lakes, caves, and mountains just a short trip from Ljubljana, attendees can take a day trip to the picturesque Lake Bled, explore the world-renowned Postojna Caves, or enjoy hiking in the Julian Alps. For a more leisurely experience, activities like cycling along the Ljubljanica River or a boat tour offer an immersive way to connect with the breathtaking landscape.
These experiences embody the spirit of Slovenia, blending culture, nature, and gastronomy to create an unforgettable destination for both business and leisure travellers.
Q4: How has your destination positioned itself as a leader in the meetings industry?
InterContinental Ljubljana has established itself as a premier destination for meetings and events by combining world-class facilities, exceptional service, and an unrivalled location in the heart of Slovenia’s capital. Our modern meeting spaces, featuring natural daylight and state-of-the-art technology, provide a seamless setting for conferences, executive gatherings, and corporate events.
What truly sets us apart is our dedication to creating bespoke experiences. From unique coffee breaks that highlight Slovenia’s rich culinary heritage to exclusive rooftop receptions offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, we design events that leave a lasting impact. Our B-restaurant, the tallest in the capital, boasts a stunning terrace with sweeping views of both the city and the Alps. Led by our award-winning culinary team, we elevate every meeting with exceptional cuisine—from sophisticated business lunches to personalized gala dinners, all crafted with the finest local ingredients and imaginative menus that transform every event into something extraordinary.
Q5: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in the industry over the next three years?
Over the next three years, one of the biggest challenges will be staying ahead of the curve in terms of innovation, technology, and sustainability. As leaders and trendsetters in the hospitality industry, we are part of the IHG chain, which gives us a unique advantage to bring forward-thinking concepts to Slovenia. We are constantly evolving, traveling to other IHG properties abroad, and exchanging best practices to incorporate the latest trends, from cutting-edge technology to highly sophisticated event solutions.
At the same time, the increasing demand for sustainability presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Reducing waste, sourcing locally, and minimizing the carbon footprint of events require careful planning and innovation. However, as sustainability becomes a priority for clients, hotels that offer eco-friendly solutions and collaborate with sustainable suppliers will stand out. These efforts not only meet growing expectations but also serve as key differentiators in a competitive market.
Additionally, there is a rising demand for destination experiences that go beyond traditional meetings. Attendees seek more immersive, wellness-focused, and culturally rich events. This opens opportunities for creative event formats that blend business with leisure, showcasing local culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities—ultimately creating more memorable and impactful experiences.
Being part of the IHG network presents significant opportunities to stay at the forefront of these innovations and continue offering exceptional, tech-driven experiences to our guests. By learning from each other and integrating these advancements, we can further enhance the guest experience while maintaining our leadership role in the Slovenian market.
Q6: How do you engage with international event organisers and decision-makers to showcase your destination?
At InterContinental Ljubljana, we engage with international event organizers and decision-makers by creating immersive experiences that highlight the best of our destination. A prime example is our recent hosting of the All About People event, where we welcomed buyers and hosts from across Europe with authentic Slovenian hospitality.
From the moment guests arrived, we infused the event with local touches—welcoming them with a traditional folklore performance, curating menus featuring regional specialities, and serving locally crafted drinks. Our commitment to working with local suppliers ensures an authentic taste of Slovenia in every detail.
Beyond the hotel, we collaborate with Tourism Ljubljana, the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, and local DMCs to organize curated trips, offering guests the opportunity to explore other cities and hidden gems across Slovenia. These partnerships allow us to present a holistic view of the destination, positioning Ljubljana as a top-tier choice for international meetings and events.
By blending world-class service with local authenticity, we create memorable experiences that not only showcase our hotel but also reinforce Ljubljana’s appeal as a premier meeting destination.
“At InterContinental Ljubljana, we strike a harmonious balance between heritage and modernity, creating a unique business tourism experience that appeals to both tradition and innovation.”
Q7: How is your destination innovating in the business events sector?
At InterContinental Ljubljana, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve by embracing innovation in the business events sector. We actively monitor trends in the industry, particularly in key markets like the US, to ensure that our offerings align with the latest developments in corporate events and meetings.
One of the ways we are innovating is by integrating digital experiences and interactive technology to enhance engagement and create immersive event environments. We also embrace out-of-the-box event concepts that break traditional boundaries. For instance, during our travels to the US, we observed trending event formats, such as Speed-Dating style networking events and cocktail meetings, which are becoming really popular. These events are often held in unique settings like Presidential Apartments, where meetings are held in unconventional spaces such as the living room, bathroom, and cocktail area. These innovative setups create fresh, dynamic experiences that encourage unconventional interactions.
Q8: What sustainable practices have you integrated to make meetings and events more environmentally responsible?
At InterContinental Ljubljana, we are deeply committed to sustainability and have integrated a variety of environmentally responsible practices into our meetings and events. We aim to minimize waste and promote sustainable options without compromising the quality of the experience. As part of our commitment, we have been engaged in the Green Engage within the IHG program since we opened the hotel, and for the last two years, we have proudly been owners of Green Key certification.
For our event menus, we plan at least 7 days in advance, ordering only the exact amount of food required to reduce waste, in line with our zero-waste policy. We prioritize local food suppliers, sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, and supporting fair trade practices to ensure sustainability across our food offerings.
Our meetings are designed with a Single-Use-Free approach. We avoid items like single-use paper, pens, and flipcharts, instead providing these only upon request to further reduce waste. Additionally, our Plastic-Free Water Service ensures that water is served in large-format dispensers, pitchers, and glassware, with refill stations available throughout the meeting space. These efforts, combined with our dedication to promoting a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious event experience, reflect our commitment to reducing our ecological footprint while delivering a world-class service.
Q9: How do you balance heritage and modernity to create an appealing business tourism experience?
At InterContinental Ljubljana, we strike a harmonious balance between heritage and modernity, creating a unique business tourism experience that appeals to both tradition and innovation.
Our hotel design blends contemporary luxury with Slovenian cultural heritage, showcasing local artistry, craftsmanship, and architectural influences while offering all the cutting-edge amenities and services expected from a global brand. We integrate local touches throughout the hotel—from traditional Slovenian textiles and art pieces to locally inspired menus that highlight the best of Slovenian cuisine, prepared with a modern twist.
Learn more about InterContinental Ljubljana here.
