At the trade fair, in cooperation with the Slovenian Tourist Board, the Municipality of Koper, the Portorož Tourist Association, and our tourism and maritime partners Atlas Express, Istranka, Centralog, Jadroagent, and Nomago, we presented a comprehensive bid for cruise passengers based on authentic experiences, local culture, and sustainable development.
One of Slovenia’s key advantages is its geographical diversity within a small area, enabling visitors to enjoy a wide range of experiences in a short period of time. This is becoming increasingly important for cruise operators seeking destinations that can offer personalized programs for smaller groups and distinctive boutique experiences.
The trade fair highlighted several global trends shaping the future of the cruise industry. Among the most significant are sustainability as a fundamental operational requirement, growing demand for boutique and authentic experiences, digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as the expansion of the luxury segment and smaller vessels. In addition, the passenger profile is evolving, with younger generations placing greater emphasis on personalization and sustainable travel experiences.
For the Port of Koper, the fair primarily provided an opportunity to meet directly with cruise operators, strengthen existing partnerships, and establish new business contacts. Key partners continue to include Norwegian Cruise Line, TUI Cruises, Marella Cruises, and Viking Cruises. Additional interest is also coming from the luxury segment, including Four Seasons Yachts, Aman at Sea, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The positive feedback from cruise operators confirms their satisfaction with the ongoing development of infrastructure in Koper, particularly the new Passenger Terminal, which enhances conditions for accommodating ships, crews, and passengers. This represents a significant competitive advantage for the port within the region.
The outlook for the 2026 season is encouraging. Koper is expected to welcome 79 cruise ship calls and approximately 130,000 passengers. The season has begun already in January and will continue through December. At the same time, the nearby destinations of Piran and Izola are also developing successfully. Piran is expected to receive 50 cruise ship calls this year, while plans are progressing for the further development of the anchorage area in Izola in the near future.
Slovenia’s participation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 reaffirms its strategic commitment to the development of boutique, sustainable, and regenerative tourism, with a strong focus on personalized experiential travel products. Through personalization and responsible destination management, Slovenia continues to strengthen its position as an important and attractive destination in the Northern Adriatic, while successfully keeping pace with global trends in the cruise industry.
