{"id":186293,"date":"2026-02-06T13:16:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:16:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-slovenia.com\/?p=186293"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:18:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:18:09","slug":"150528-votes-for-the-15th-best-of-local-finalists-who-are-slovenias-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-slovenia.com\/en\/featured\/150528-votes-for-the-15th-best-of-local-finalists-who-are-slovenias-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"150,528 votes for the 15th Best of Local finalists \u2013 who are Slovenia\u2019s winners?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Readers selected the most popular local hospitality providers and tourist experiences, cultural events, as well as designers, shops, and services in the international Best of Local 2026 selection.<\/strong><\/p>

This year\u2019s edition was record-breaking, with 150,528 valid votes<\/strong> cast. Votes were given to 500 selected locations and experiences<\/strong> from across Slovenia, divided into seven main categories<\/strong> and 51 subcategories for Slovenia<\/strong>.<\/p>

Who are the winners in each category?<\/strong>
You can find them listed at the end of the article.<\/p>

Media and Expert Selection of Best of Local Slovenia Finalists<\/strong><\/h2>

The Best of Local 2026 Award<\/strong> represents public trust and has been awarded for the 15th consecutive year<\/strong>. The project is organized by media outlets led by the independent media house The Slovenia<\/strong>, in cooperation with the international media In Your Pocket<\/strong>, and supported by \u017durnal24, MojaOb\u010dina.si, Moji Mediji, Marketing Magazin, Hey Slovenia<\/strong>, and others.<\/p>

The selection process is based on nominations by locals<\/strong>, professional associations, and media. These nominations are reviewed by the editorial team, which selects finalists in each category. A key element of credibility is public voting<\/strong>, where readers choose among 10 finalists<\/strong> and identify their favorite local providers.<\/p>

This demanding project included a review of 682 finalists<\/strong>, divided into 7 categories<\/strong> and 62 international subcategories<\/strong>.<\/p>

The selection was professionally supported by:
The Slovenian Museum Association (SMS), DGISS \u2013 Association of Private Galleries, the Association of Tourist Farms, the Association of Farm Cheese Makers, the Specialty Coffee Association, Shoptok, Slovenika, Mladinska knjiga, Galarna, CZK \u2013 Made in Slovenia, Chocolarium Chocolate Museum, LJFW, Izvorno Slovensko<\/strong>, and Hey Slovenia Patrol<\/strong>.<\/p>

For 15 years, Best of Local awards and entrance labels<\/strong> have served as trusted signposts for both local and international visitors\u2014initially in Ljubljana and now across Slovenia. All 500 selected providers<\/strong> are also featured in the annual exclusive printed Best of Local Yearbook<\/strong>, distributed free of charge at 100 premium locations<\/strong>.<\/p>

Award Ceremony at Alpe Adria and GASTexpo Fair<\/strong><\/h2>

The Best of Local 2026 Award Ceremony<\/strong> took place on February 4, 2026<\/strong>, at the Gospodarsko razstavi\u0161\u010de Exhibition Centre<\/strong>, during the Alpe Adria and GASTexpo fairs<\/strong>. In addition to the winners, the organizers presented highlights from 15 years of selections<\/strong>, the methodology, and project partners.<\/p>

More than 350 guests<\/strong> applauded the winners in an electric atmosphere. The evening concluded with a toast to a successful year ahead, adding a warm and authentic touch to the event.<\/p>

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