Get into the holiday spirit

GET in to a different type of holiday spirit and start plotting their summer escape now as British Airways launches new routes from Heathrow to Ljubljana in Slovenia and Montpellier in France.

Seats to Slovenia’s capital are available to book on ba.com from today with flights taking off on Mondays and Fridays from July 15 through to September 2, 2019. Fares start from £63.00 one-way* in Euro Traveller.

Situated on France’s southern coast, Montpellier will be served with a four-per-week schedule, departing on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from July 15 through to September 2 also. Fares start from £38.00 per person one-way.

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Helsinki and Lyon Awarded Titles of 2019 European Capitals of Smart Tourism

HELSINKI and Lyon the winners of the first edition of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition were awarded their titles yesterday, November 7 at a ceremony in Brussels, on the occasion of the European Tourism Day.Cities of more than 100.000 inhabitants were eligible in the first edition of this competition, 38 cities from 19 EU Member States applied.In addition, four cities received 2019 European Smart Tourism Awards for their outstanding achievements in the four categories of the competition: Málaga (Accessibility), Ljubljana (Sustainability), Copenhagen (Digitalisation) and Linz (Cultural Heritage & Creativity).

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is a new EU initiative, based on a proposal from the European Parliament, which secured its funding for 2018 - 2019 through a Preparatory Action. The initiative seeks to strengthen tourism-generated innovative development in EU cities and their surroundings, increase their attractiveness as well as strengthen economic growth and job creation.

To celebrate their success, Helsinki and Lyon have planned an exciting schedule of activities for 2019. For example, Helsinki will be launching a smart city guidance pilot scheme, making use of collaborative work with businesses and digital tools to create a smarter way to guide people in the city. Lyon's representatives will be travelling the globe for shows, press meetings and special events to inform new audiences about the city's smart opportunities.

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European Capital of Smart Tourism nominees

A new EU initiative aims to promote smart tourism in the EU, foster innovative, sustainable and inclusive tourism development, as well as spread and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative recognises outstanding achievements in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity, by European cities as tourism destinations.

The following cities have been shortlisted as finalists in the competition for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 are:

Brussels (Belgium), Helsinki (Finland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Lyon (France), Málaga (Spain), Nantes (France), Palma (Spain), Poznań (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia), and Valencia (Spain).


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From Slovenia with love

Adria Airways is set to connect Ljubljana Airport to seven new destinations this year. In its summer timetable (from March 25th) Adria Airways will continue flights to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, and at the same time connect Slovenia to six new European cities and popular holiday destinations.

In the 2018 summer season, Adria Airways will fly to Hamburg (4 times a week), Geneva (3 times a week), Bucharest, the lively capital of Romania (4 times a week), Sofia, the dynamic capital of Bulgaria (3 times a week), Dubrovnik in Croatia, the pearl of the Adriatic (twice a week), and the island of Brač, Croatia (twice a week).

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Romantic waterfronts and promenades in Slovenia

THE heart of social life in Ljubljana, the capital of #Slovenia and the European Green Capital 2016, is the Ljubljanica river embankments, scattered with cafés and restaurants. Take a walk along the riverbanks, designed by the greatest and greenest Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik. Life in Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city, also flows together with the river Drava, especially at Lent, the oldest and most magical part of the city.

Explore the Mediterranean coast of Slovenia by bike! Start in Koper, a port city with Venetian charm. A newly opened coastal route leads you through Izola, a romantic fishing village with a picturesque harbour. The journey continues to the most famous town in Mediterranean Slovenia, Piran. The city, with its lovely cobbled streets, has more than 700 years of salt-making tradition. The entire old town is surrounded by medieval walls.

In Slovenia, the Mediterranean is just a short drive away from the Alps. Don’t miss the symbol of Slovenia’s beauty, Lake Bled. The sapphire Alpine lake with the only island in Slovenia offers a breathtaking stroll around its shores. Are you up for a picnic? Discover an Alpine paradise by Lake Bohinj, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe and Slovenia’s largest natural lake.

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Alternative accommodation for a city break

TRAVELLING to a European city does not have to mean staying right in the centre in an overpriced hotel. Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has alternative ideas that are easy on the wallet and offer a more fun and quirky alternative.

Gothenburg
The Swedish city is an increasingly popular destination thanks to its rich culinary scene, proximity to the coastline and fascinating sights. Kungälvs Camping is just outside Gothenburg in a quiet town. Golfing and fishing are some of the local activities available, while the site has an easy stroll into the nearest town along the beach.

Dubrovnik
Why stay in the centre of Dubrovnik when just 15km away, accommodation for a holiday could be in a funky treehouse! Surely more fun for the holiday photos and Facebook updates. Cadmos Village is situated in Komaji and within easy reach of both Dubrovnik centre and airport. There is so much to do here from archery, painting and ziplining to hiking, bike tours and wine tasting.

Ljubljana
The compact Slovenian city is a must-see for anyone who loves European city breaks. Pitchup.com has seen vast growth in outdoor holidays to Slovenia and when you have a site just a 20-minute cycle from the centre of Ljubljana, it’s not hard to see why.

Madrid
On the outskirts of Madrid lies Camping Park Arco Iris. Although most visitors will probably spend their days exploring the shops, museums and galleries of Madrid, there is also plenty to keep them on site including a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, restaurant and kids’ playground.
Paris

Rome
Who needs to stay in the centre of Rome when from as little as £17 per night, visitors can stay just 12km away and enjoy a shuttle bus transfer everyday into the city. Camping Village Tiber offers guests a swimming pool, pizzeria and free wifi with entertainment in peak season.



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Ljubljana has joined the New Destinations Network

#LJUBLJANA has recently joined the New Destinations Network. A green city, friendly to its residents and visitors alike. Its social and environmental awareness have a long tradition that you can feel with every step, and it is no coincidence that the city was named the European Green Capital of 2016. 

The cityscape, guarded by the prominent Ljubljana Castle, was shaped by the widely-celebrated architect Jože Plečnik. Whether you are a lover of culture and art or seek culinary delights, Ljubljana has something to offer that will not fail to impress. Have a walk along the river Ljubljanica, stop for a coffee, and don’t forget to visit the farmers’ market.

“Ljubljana is the capital of #Slovenia and a very cool and chilled-out destination. Amazing architecture, river, bridges, bars, parks, restaurants, hotels, tours, entertainment and much more!” states the description of the green Slovenian capital on the New Destinations Network. 

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Accolade for Ljubljana

LONELY PLANET has named Ljubljana, Slovenia, as No. 2 on its Best of Europe 2014 list of the top ten European destinations to visit. 

Ljubljana made it to the list as ‘one of Europe's greenest and most liveable cities, with a vibrant cultural, café, and night-life scene that gives it the feel of a perpetual street party’.

Ljubljana, with its ‘plentiful, inexpensive buses radiating out of the city’, is also praised as an ideal base for exploring Slovenia. 

It is, according to Lonely Planet, “as picture-perfect as Switzerland, but much easier on the wallet’.

No. 1 on the top ten list was Greece.

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Picture Credit: From Top: 'Ljubljana, Slovenia' by Francisco Antunes - London, UK via Wikimedia Commons; 'Ljubljana, Slovenia' by Till Schultz - Hamburg, Germany via Wikimedia Commons