Slovenian Pavilion Reaps Unexpected Success at Expo 2015

"We expected fewer visitors in August, but quite the contrary, long queues have gathered and additional barriers had to be placed to direct the visitors into the Slovenian pavilion," says Jerneja Lampret, the Commissioner-General of Slovenia for Expo Milano 2015.

The Slovenian pavilion attracts its visitors with its dynamic pyramid design, reminiscent of the country's mountainous landscape.

The permanent exposition in the Slovenian pavilion presents five main themes: salt pans, bees, thermal and mineral waters, hiking and cycling, and black carbon particle measurement.

The salt pan theme is now the most visited part of the pavilion, after it was expanded allowing visitors to walk on the salt.

Saltmaking is one of the oldest economic activities on the north-eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Salt trading played a significant role in the development of Slovenia's coast.

The pavilion hosts entertainment events such as live music concerts, and promotions of Slovenian tourism. Slovenia's landmarks and points of attraction, such as the Postojna Cave, are showcased with various interactive maps, catalogues, and videos.

The exposition is also an important business opportunity and 760 Slovenian companies have so far taken part. They are able to present their services, and attend various meetings with the aim of networking with other business leaders.

Bojan Škoda, head of the business centre of the Slovenian pavilion, explains that this part of the exposition has also been a great success, as many companies have already connected with new business partners in this way.

Companies are also able to participate in delegations organised by the public agency Spirit, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS), the Chamber of Craft and Small Business (OZS), and other organisations.

Expo takes place every five years in different cities across the world, addressing various topical global themes from the field of culture, industry, the environment, economy and others.

This year's central theme is food, under the slogan "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life".

Running from 1 May to 31 October, Expo is hosting 147 countries, 55 of which showcase their own pavilions. The theme of the Slovenian pavilion is "I feel SLOVEnia, Green.Active.Healthy."

Source: The Slovenia Times