Business trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia
In the 1980’s, Ljubljana’s per capita GDP was 260% of the Yugoslav average. By the late 2000’s, Ljubljana produced about one quarter of the Slovenia’s GDP. In 2003, the level of active working population was 62 percent; 64 percent worked in the private sector and 36 percent in the public sector. In January 2007, the unemployment rate was six percent (down from 7.7 percent a year earlier), compared with a national average of 8.7 percent.
Industry remains Ljubljana’s most important employer, mainly in the pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and food processing. Other fields include banking, finance, transport, construction and tourism. The public sector provides jobs in education, culture, health care and local administration.
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The Ljubljana Stock Exchange (Ljubljanska borza) deals with large Slovenian companies. Some of these companies have their headquarters in the Ljubljana region: for example, the retail chain Mercator, the oil company Petrol d.d. and the telecommunications concern Telekom Slovenije. Over 15.000 enterprises operate in Ljubljana, most of them in the tertiary sector.
The Academy of the Industrious (Academia operosorum Labacensis) opened in 1693. Today, students make up one-seventh of Ljubljana’s population, giving Ljubljana a youthful character.
The University of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s most important and Ljubljana’s only university, was founded in 1919. As of 2008, it has 22 faculties, 3 academies and a college. These offer Slovenian-language courses in medicine, applied sciences, arts, law and administration. The university has close to 64.000 students and some 4.000 teaching faculty.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Slovenians are not direct, they prefer avoiding confrontations to directness.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Quit some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Nowadays, Slovenia is one the best economic performers in central and eastern Europe, with a GDP per capita in 2006 at € 19.200. Slovenia has enjoyed healthy growth figures for the past 8 years, averaging 4% annual GDP growth. The European economic slowdown because of the economic crisis reduced the pace of growth, somewhat, beginning in 2008. GDP grew by just over 5% in 2006.
Slovenia’s economy is highly dependent on foreign trade. About two-thirds of Slovenia’s trade is with the EU. Additionally, the country has successfully penetrated markets to the south and east, including the former Soviet Union region.
Slovenia’s success is largely based on pre-existing conditions that positioned the country extremely well for transition. These included a highly educated population, sound infrastructure, and an economy more oriented to the West than most transition countries. These advantages allowed Slovenia to take a more gradual approach to change, avoiding the social strife that much of Central and Eastern Europe experienced during the 1990s. Today, however, Slovenia is faced with growing challenges. Much of the economy remains in state hands and foreign direct investments in Slovenia are among the lowest in the European Union on a per capita basis
.Taxes are relatively high, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are showing signs of increasing competitive pressures from China, India, and elsewhere. The current, center-right government, elected in October 2004, pledged to accelerate privatization in a number of large state holdings, but has been slow to move forward on these promises.
This high level of openness makes Slovenia extremely vunerable to economic conditions in its main trading partners and changes in its international price competitiveness. Keeping labor costs in line with productivity is a key challenge for Slovenia’s economic well-being. Services contributed the most to the national output in 2006, accounting for 62% of GDP. Industry and construction comprised almost 35% of GDP; and, agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for just over 2% of GDP.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 2.053.355 |
| Area | 20.273 km2 |
| Population density | 99,6/km2 |
| GDP | € 35.990.540.000 |
| GDP per capita | € 17.882 |
  | Product tip: Power charger for you USB devices Very convenient can be a portable, long lasting battery power for all USB-compatible devices such as iPods, iPhones, cellular phones, digital cameras, PDA’s, Bluetooth headsets and others. With a portable power charger you can recharge you USB device anywhere. |
Address
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
Zg. Brnik 130a
SI-4210 Brnik-aerodrom
Slovenia
Telephone: +386 4 20 61 000
Fax: + 386 4 20 21 220
Email: linfo@lju-airport.si
www.lju-airport.si
Airport codes
IATA airport code: LJU
ICAO airport code: LJLJ
Lost property
Baggage handling and delivery is the responsibility of the airlines from the point of check-in to the point of collection. If anything of your luggage is lost, your first step should be to the airports Lost and Found counter. It is situated in the reclaim area. Look for the Lost and Found sign or the abbreviation LL. Working hours are adjusted to meet the scheduled flights.
For the information about lost luggage, please call:
Lost and Found- Adria Airways: +386 4 25 94 339
Lost and Found- other carriers: +386 4 20 61 226
Terminal map
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
By bus and shuttle connection provided by co. LEKSUS, PREVOZI MARKUN. Airport - Ljubljana City - airport: the journey time of the one-way trip is 30 minutes. Tickets are purchased on the bus. The price is from 5-8 EUR.
By taxi
The taxi rank is right in front of the terminal. Taxis are available according to the actual arrivals of flights. A fare from the Airport to Ljubljana City costs approximately 39 EUR(depending on the desired destination of the trip). For reservation or more information you can call on telephone number: + 386 4 2061 678, + 386 31 216 111, e-mail taxiairport4@gmail.com or visit this web address.
Taxi price list:
start-up fee: 2,00 EUR
1 km: 1,40 EUR
waiting hour: 25,00 EUR
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Ljubljana. Ljubljana taxis can be hailed on the street or at taxi ranks. Taxis can be booked by phone for important journeys. Ljubljana taxis are metered and very economical.
| Company name | Phone number |
| LIMO&TAKSI Marko Nowotny s.p. | +386 31774774 |
| Taxi Intertours | 5209704 |
| Taxi-Jozeta Pucnika | +386 41670216 |
| Hit Taxi | 4303000 |
| Gea Taxi | 4333444 |
River House
A funky new addition to the Ljubljana dining scene right down by the river in the old town. Chic décor is backed up by friendly service and a fresh, creative menu that turns its eyes firmly towards the Mediterranean. If you are on a business trip to Ljubljana, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Gallusovo nabrežje 31
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: (+386 1) 4254090
E-mail: river@siol.net
www.riverhouse.si
Gostilna AS
Regarded by many locals as the city’s best restaurant, Gostilna As combines first-rate service with understated luxury and great food with dishes like sea bass laced with fresh truffle.
Copova ulica 5
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: (+386 1) 425 8822
www.gostilnaas.si
JB
Long a favourite of visiting businessmen, this classy fine dining retreat tests the credit card; but the food is excellent. It is recommended that you book your table in advance.
Miklošičeva 17
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: (+386 1) 474 7219
E-mail: info@jb-slo.com
www.jb-slo.com
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Ljubljana.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Ljubljana it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Ljubljana.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Best Western Premier Hotel Slon
In the most central location of this vivid and charming Ljubljana, the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon captures its surprising character. The modernist architectural design of the 1930s complements the atmosphere of traditional comfort stemming from the hotel’s 450 years history. This hotel is the perfect base for business travelers.
Slovenska cesta 34
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: +386 (0)1 470 11 00
Fax: +386 (0)1 251 71 64
E-mail: sales@hotelslon.com
More info about Best Western Premier Hotel Slon Ljubljana
Hotel Lev
The Hotel Lev is the only five-star hotel in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It is located in the very centre and business district of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the main sightseeing attractions and the Old town which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Vošnjakova ulica 1
1000 Ljubljana
Tel: +386 1 433 21 55
Fax.: +386 1 230 25 78
More info about Hotel Lev Ljubljana
City Hotel Ljubljana
City Hotel is located in the centre of the city, right next to the old city core. It is easily accessible from all main city roads. To reach the city centre and City Hotel simply follow the signs leading to the city centre.
Dalmatinova 15
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: +386 1 239 00 00
Fax: +386 1 239 00 01
More info about City Hotel Ljubljana
Ljubljana is a good city for shopping despite some frustrating opening hours. Slovenska, which dissects Ljubljana’s centre, with its big name shops and the Nama department store is a popular shopping boulevard.
A far more pleasant experience is on offer in the old town squares of Stari trg, Mestni trg and Gornji trg, where baroque buildings house boutique shops selling everything from jewelery, perfume, shoes and clothes to traditional crafts and designer gear made in studios behind the stores. The banks of the Ljubljanica River are also increasingly home to boutique stores and small art galleries.
Some shops close on Saturday afternoons and do not open again until Monday morning, which can play havoc with retail addict city breakers. Shop hours are usually Monday to Friday 0900-1900 Mon-Fri and Saturday 0900-1300, although many shops do also now open on Saturdays and Sundays following a recent change in the law.
Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad)
is a medieval castle located at the summit of the hill that dominates the Ljubljana’s centre. The area surrounding today’s castle has been continuously inhabited since 1200 BC.In 1905, the city of Ljubljana purchased the castle, which underwent a renovation in the 1960s. Today, it is a tourist attraction; cultural events also take place there. Since 2007, a funicular has linked Ljubljana’s centre to the castle atop the hill. Tivolski grad is situated near the city center, the Tivoli park offers a pleasant walk.
The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most)
was built between 1900 and 1901, when Ljubljana was part of Austria-Hungary. The bridge is considered one of the finest works in the Vienna Secession Art Nouveau style. Some residents nicknamed the bridge "mother-in-law" after the fearsome dragons on its four corners. Four green dragons, two on each side, stand proudly to guard the bridge and the city.
is at the very heart of Ljubljana both historically and spiritually. The square boasts three river crossings, the landmark Frančiškansa Cerkev Marijinega Oznanjenja (Franciscan Church of the Annunciation) and a statue of seminal Slovenian poet France Prešeren. Ivan Zajec’s and Maks Fabiani’s dramatic monument to the man celebrated as the Slovenia’s greatest bard stands proud overlooking the scene. If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Ljubljana, this would be the place to visit.
The Triple Bridge is probably the most unusual and the most frequently crossed bridge in Ljubljana. It connects the main square (Presernov trg) and a newer part of town with the Old Town and the Market, what makes it an area with the highest fluctuation of people. It got its final image when Joze Plecnik in 1931 added the side pedestrian bridges to the existing main one. Offering you a view of the river Ljubljanica, Old Town, main square and the Market, Triple Bridge is a perfect place to stop and feel Ljubljana.
Moderna Galerija
The Museum of Modern Art is one of Ljubljana’s true joys and lovers of avant-garde art should make a beeline for this gallery and allow plenty of time. Even if your tastes are more traditional, it is well worth looking around for some interesting domestic artists and a variety of temporary exhibits. The museum is only a stone’s throw from the National Gallery. If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Ljubljana, I would recommended you to visit it.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
Dial 112 for emergency calls.
When you are in need of medical help you can contact:
Hospital Zaloska
cesta 7
Ljubljana, Slo.
Tel: +386 1522 5050
There are some English-speaking doctors in this hospital.
Slovene, which is closely related to Croat and Czech. Most Slovenes speak German, Hungarian or Italian, with English as a second language.
Although in business people speak English, some Slovenian phrases can always come in hand....
| Good day | Dober dan (used from 8:00) |
| Good morning | Dobro jutro (used until 8:00) |
| How are you? | Kako se imate? |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | Dobro, hvala, in vi? |
| My name is ... | Ime mi je ... |
| Pleased to meet you | Me veseli |
| Good evening | Dober večer |
| Good night | Lahko noč |
| Goodbye | Na svidenje |
| Cheers/Good health! | Na zdravje! |
| Have a nice day | Lep dan vam želim! |
| Bon appetit | Dober tek! |
| I don’t understand | Ne razumem |
| Please write it down | Lahko to napišete, prosim? |
| How do you say ... in Slovenian? | Kako se reče po slovensko ...? |
| Excuse me/Sorry | Oprostite |
| How much is this? | Koliko je to? |
| Thank you | Najlepša hvala |
| You’re welcome | Ni za kaj |
| Yes / No | Da / Ne |
  |   |
Also how difficult is the language for Enlish/German speakers to pick up?
Any insight on the above would be greatly appreciated.