Novo Mesto has been selected as one of the finalists in the Historic Town Centres category of the nationwide My Country – Hospitality Award 2026. Organised by the Tourist Association of Slovenia, the competition is being held for the 35th consecutive year. This year’s theme is “Back to Our Roots”.
The competition highlights destinations, towns, excursion sites and other tourism stakeholders whose well-maintained surroundings, hospitality, commitment to sustainability and preservation of local identity contribute to an attractive and high-quality tourism offer in Slovenia. This year’s theme puts the spotlight on the stories, traditions, heritage, nature, cuisine, customs, knowledge and people that give each destination its unique character and authenticity.
Novo Mesto participated in two categories – Trška Gora in the Hidden Tourist Destinations category and the historic town centre of Novo Mesto in the Historic Town Centres category. The assessment took place in August and was carried out by a professional jury of the Tourist Association of Slovenia, led by tourist guide Tanja Vesel. The jury’s visit was coordinated by the Novo Mesto Tourist Information Centre (TIC Novo Mesto).
As part of the assessment, the jury explored the historic town centre on a guided tour, taking in the Main Square, the Kapitelj (St Nicholas Church) with Observation Deck, along with the town’s history, cultural heritage and key sights. The tour concluded with a tasting of local Dolenjska specialities at Dobrote Dolenjske.
The historic town centre of Novo Mesto was selected as one of the finalists. More information about the other finalists via the link.
Being selected as a finalist recognises the efforts to preserve and promote the historic town centre and the heritage that forms an important part of Novo Mesto’s identity and tourism appeal.
The public online vote will take place from 5 October to 5 November 2026 on the website of the Tourist Association of Slovenia – at the link. During this period, the finalists will be presented to the wider public, with residents, visitors, supporters and followers invited to cast their vote for their chosen destination.
The destinations receiving the highest number of public votes will receive the Green Hospitality Award, while the Gold, Silver and Bronze Hospitality Awards will be determined based on assessments by professional juries. The awards will be presented on 30 November 2026 at the My Country ceremony, held as part of the Slovenian Tourism Days at Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož.
