January 12, 2010, Tuesday afternoon when the worst earthquake struck Haiti after 200 years with a magnitude of 7.0 which originated less than ten miles from the Caribbean city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. After more than two weeks after the devastating earthquake, the death tolls have mounted, even the number of stories of death and destruction as well as the worldwide outpouring of aid.

Slovenia through their Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, takes part in helping Haiti through sending 25 tents worth approximately 70,000 EUR which will provide about 300 homeless people with shelter. 12 January. According to the Head of Slovenia’s Administration, Boris Balant, they have decided to send material aid than to send experts because of the logistic problems faced by their humanitarian staff in Haiti, as well as the great distance between Slovenia and Haiti. They also believe that this kind of help is appropriate and timely. The Slovenian Government has already allotted 50,000 EUR as early as two days after the earthquake struck Haiti. Slovenia’s aid was dispatched in Austria from where it will be transported to Haiti. The plane carrying the tents given by the Slovenian government as well as the Austrian government left last Saturday or Sunday from the airport of Vienna. They have paid around 30,000 EUR for the plane cost which is half of the total costs, and the other half will be paid by the European Union.

Gambling is defined as the putting of money or any valuable material on an event with an unknown outcome with the intention of either winning extra money and/or material things. In Slovenia, though not a huge country, have lot to offer to their tourist including their entertainment industry largely compose of the casino business. Slovenian casinos have been considered today as one of the largest sectors of their tourism industry.

Gambling in Slovenia is considered legal within the bounds of the casinos. Sports betting are also considered legal if using a sports book located in one of the country’s casinos. Gambling facilities were built to primarily create flow of revenue to the area where they were created. Slovenia’s local and national governments can earn big amount of money by heavily taxing them. Another good thing about having land-based casinos is the jobs they could offer with them. This comes crucial when the country’s economy is under crisis or when many of their citizens are unemployed. Slovenia’s gambling facilities have blossomed and has helped in the countries economy, which resulted to the creation of the $1.5 billion super casino in Nova Gorica starting in 2005. Casinos in the Italian borders have also generated a lot of money for the Slovenian government because Italians frequently cross the border to make bets everyday. The Slovenian government has been persistently regulating the casinos since 1995 and has raised millions of money for Slovenia.

At present, citizens and tourists can still enjoy the land-based and online casinos in Slovenia. Though the government had forbidden gambling earlier on some foreign sites, the trend never stopped and people still continue to indulge in.

Experience and take part in the unforgettable atmosphere that comes with the annual Golden Fox event, this January 16 to 17, 2010 at Maribor, Snežni stadion (Snow Stadium, Mariborsko Pohorje). The Golden Fox event is a classical women’s competition wherein the best women skiers around the globe will compete in the slalom and giant slalom races. Branik, a skiing club had organized the Golden Fox competitions since 1963.

This year, 25,000 expected spectators will gather and witness this event at Mariborsko Pohorje, which produces the largest number of skiers in Slovenia, the longest downhill run in Europe, plus the best Slovenian ski center who received the Golden Snowflake Award. In the recent report, Slovenia maintained its top marks in the Freedom according to the Freedom House. A total of 133 women skiers are expected to join the 46^th Golden Fox meet from 28 countries around the globe with Slovenia having 8 representatives. The World Cup giant slalom will take place on January 16 followed by the slalom race on January 17. The first run is planned to start at 11 AM, while thee second run at 2 PM. Sunday’s slalom runs are scheduled for 9.15 AM as well as 12.15 PM.

The said event will feature Slovenia’s best skiers including Tina Maze, the champion in the giant slalom at the Golden Fox last year. She will join together with Ana Drev, Marusa Ferk, Sara Globocnik, Katja Jazbec, Ilka Stuhec, Katarina Lavtar and Ula Hafner. An estimated amount of EUR 1.2 million is the budget of this event has which has been constant for the last four years, and the prices of tickets will remain unchanged: EUR 4 for adults and EUR 2 for children. Approximately 300 Slovenian and foreign reporters as well as 3 TV stations will also be covering the said event.

Just Slovenia is a small independent specialist tour operator serving Slovenia for approximately 21 years. It primarily deals with travel business and is closely related with Civil Aviation Authority under its ATOL scheme. This year, Just Slovenia has placed a lot of ideas for holidays in Slovenia which will go well with anyone’s taste and surely, one will be able to decide from a lot selections. One of which is their Valentine’s break offer.

This coming February 11 to 14, the specialist tour operator have prepared a new valentine’s break giving couples a chance to create a gingerbread heart for their loved one at the Lectar Gingerbread Musuem. The guests may experience the traditional baking process, or try the rustic cuisine in Restaurant Lectar. Included in the experience is a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the magnificent Lake Bled.

For a price of £394 per person, you will be able to have flights from Stansted, three nights at Pension Lectar – a medieval town of Radovlijica, with a breakfast and car hire, plus a romantic Valentine’s banquet. This accommodation is just about 5 minutes away from Lake Bled and thirty minutes drive from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The Radovlijica town offers travelers their traditional architecture, pavement cafes, healthy sub-alpine climate, exciting museums, as well as a variety of trails in the Julian Alps and the turquoise River Sava.

Secretly located in the alpine meadow in Triglav National Park, Slovenia lies a holiday village built in a conventional style referred to as Pristava Lepena, owned by Milan and Silvia Dolenc. It is located at the picturesque plateau overlooking the valley of Soca River surrounded by wild flowers as well as the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps.

Considered as one of Slovenia’s most attractive tourist spot, Pristava Lepena offers to any tourist not just the peaceful natural ambiance but as well as other facilities such as a tennis court, archery, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, plus a ride to the so called Lipizzaner horses. These horses, believed to originate in this central European country, offers novice riders an unforgettable experience as they go through trails of Slovenia’s magnificent alpine countryside. Not only that, they novices have also the chance to learn about the characteristics, habits, grooming as well as the opportunity to have saddling practices with the lessons on basic riding skills in a calm and reassuring manner. On the other hand, for those experienced riders, fantastic treks in the forests and rivers also await you.

Other amenities of Pristava Lepena includes conventional wooden cottage with a fireplace, a kitchenette, a mini bar with a refrigerator, bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a direct telephone line plus a television if requested. Guests may also prefer to dine in their Mediterranean inspired restaurants where specialties and local delicacies are served. For outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from a variety of activities such as mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, trail walking, paragliding as well as rafting. The experience you’ll get surely will complete your holidays!

Ljubljana Opera House located at Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is an opera house which also serves as the national opera building of the country. The renovation of such opera house was one of the investment priorities in 2006 by the Cultural Ministry however the renovation started on last March 2007 when the ensembles were planned to be moved by Spring of 2009. The Opera House is expected to open following its renovation on Autumn this year. Resident ensembles have been also expecting to return to the Opera Home after performing their productions in different locations for over four seasons.

The Opera House was built between 1890 and 1892 by Czech architects Jan V. Hrasky and Anton Hruby. Until the early 20th century, the building housed the German Theatre as well as the provincial theatre and opera. Following the World War II, a number of triumphant operas by the Slovenian authors were performed at the Opera House which as well gained honor world wide. In 1918, they got their first professional ballet ensemble wherein Ljubljana’s ballet-goers have witnessed a number of contemporary and classical presentations.

The 114 – year old Opera and Ballet House will not only feature their newly renovated building but an additional contemporary-looking wing which happens to be connected with the old building. While there will be lots of changes such as broadening of the stage, and increasing the height of the ceiling, some parts of the building will remain unchanged. This includes not expanding the main hall and no additional number of seats. An estimated amount of 278 million EUR was the total cost of the project which comprises the renovation cost as well as the fee for the architects Jurij Kobe and Marjan Zupan.

Bohinj Park Hotel, opened in June 2009, is a luxurious hotel which has been recently honored with its five star status according to the official hotel classification scheme, making it the highest quality hotel in Northwest Slovenia.

The Bohinj hotel is located at the edge of the Trigalv National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps near the Kobla, Vogel, Sorica and, Senožeta ski areas. Referred to as an oasis of peace, the hotel is surrounded with a splendid natural environment directly linked to the Bohinj Water Park making it a perfect venue for tourists, business travelers as well as conference guest. The hotel is referred to as an environment friendly facility since the hotel’s structure is primarily made from natural materials including timber, and stone, and contains a variety of unique energy saving solutions, including being heated and cooled by water from its own well.

The Bohinj Park hotel’s amenities includes exclusive wellness center, a cinema, a bowling alley, a wireless internet throughout the place, sunbathing terrace on the roof, climbing walls, and the Bohinj Park, with family friendly complex including a range of pools along with waterslides. Just within the vicinity of the hotel are the Bled golf course, the Sava Bohinjka river, the Straža nad Bledom ski resort and the Pokljuka ski area. The 102- room hotel also offers various accommodation options, including family rooms and rooms suited for disabled guests. In addition, the hotel also offers 8 state-of-the-art conference halls which make the hotel appropriate for business meetings.

For Sixth Annual “Places Rated” Destination done by The National Geographic traveler together with the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, Slovenia was ranked as the 5^th top world destination with 78 points. This honor given to deserving countries were based from a survey of the world’s most sought out travel destinations and magnificent tourism the country has to offer. Though one of the smallest countries in Europe, it never stopped Slovenia from getting the award. Here are the top 5 places in Slovenia which brought about its success as the 5^th top world destination.

1. Lake Bled

Lake Bled, a popular tourist attraction, is a glacial lake in northwestern Slovenia located in the Julian Alps. Its attractions include Bled Castle, Bled Island, churches, a variety of outdoor activities and natural sights, and more. Lake Bled itself is not large for an individual can possibly to walk around the perimeter of the lake in about three hours. Lake Bled has a breathtaking environment which happens to be surrounded by mountains and forest.

2. Soca Valley

Soca Valley is a hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fly-fishing haven for it is dominated by Europe’s most beautiful river, the Soca River. It is a 140 kilometer long river that runs from the western part of Slovenia to the northeastern part of Italy. The valley is full of wonderful colors, with pools, waterfalls, ravines and canyons. The emerald-colored water makes it know to be a “fairytale valley”. In the upper region of the Soca Valley, tourist could visit Bovec, town which offers world class adventure sports.

3. Julian Alps

If you’re an athlete who loves mountain biking, mountain hiking, or Nordic walking, you opt to go to Julian Alps. Julian Alps, carved with white limestone, is the highest mountain range in Slovenia which can be reached from three different directions, Dolina Sedmerih Jezer, Voje valley, or. Pokljuka. Its highest peak is Mount Triglav where the Triglav National Park protects the area. While traversing the Julian Alps, you can see the soaring peaks, rivers with clear water, thick forest, deep valleys, with meadows filled with flowers, and breathtaking waterfalls.

4. National Gallery (Narodna galerija)

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the main art museum which contains a lot of large visual collections. The building where the National Gallery can be located was constructed in 1896. It was also served as the city’s center for performances by numerous national societies because of its 160-seating capacity plus its basement contains a gymnasium. From 1918 upto the present time, the National Gallery has been the home of Slovenia art collections from the Middles ages upto the 20^th century. It is open from 10:00 – 18:00 Mondays, and admission is free on Saturdays after 14:00 and is closed during Holidays.

5. Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Nicholas Church located in Ljubljana, Slovenia was consecrated in 1707, 6 years after the construction of the building was started. The church was fashioned and dedicated to St. Nicholas by the boatmen and fishermen of Ljubljana. The interiors of the church are not remarkably huge however beautiful for it contains a lot of frescoes line which line the archways, with a vaulted ceiling above the altar. It has been a well-known tourist attraction for the ambiance within the church depicts 1,250 years of Christianity in Slovenia which brings excitement and amazement to its visitors.