UK tour operators are kicking off a nationwide consumer promotion which aims to boost holiday bookings to Slovenia on the back of its World Cup soccer campaign.

Eight travel companies have joined the Slovenia…bet you’ll love it drive being co-ordinated by the Slovenian Tourist Board and backed by the country’s football association.

Under the scheme, customers booking a holiday to Slovenia with one of the participating companies between March 10 and June 10 and travelling before June 2011 qualify for a cash-back offer linked to Slovenia’s progress in the World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Should Slovenia reach the quarter finals, those with qualifying bookings get back 25 per cent of the cost of their holiday. If the team gets to the semi-finals, a 50 per cent refund is paid, while the full cost of the holiday is paid back, should Slovenia win the World Cup final.

Captained by West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren, Slovenia have been drawn in the tournament’s Group C, together with England, USA and Algeria. Slovenia’s opening match is against Algeria on June 13 and they play England on June 23.

Slovenian Tourist Board director, Dimitrij Piciga, added: ‘This is a win-win for Slovenia tourism. If we win the cup, the exposure for our country will be unprecedented and the campaign means thousands of delighted British families can share in our celebrations. If we don’t win, then we still have the consolation of having made lots of new friends.’

Forming part of a £120,000 promotional drive for the UK to the end of the summer, the campaign will also highlight the wide range of family and activity holidays available in one of Europe’s smallest countries.

TUI brands Thomson Holidays and Crystal Holidays are among the major names backing the campaign. A spokesman explained: ‘Thomson Lakes & Mountains and Crystal Lakes are delighted to work with the Slovenian Tourist board on this great promotion because it gives us a chance to really put this beautiful but as yet undiscovered destination on the UK tourism map.

‘We are always looking for ways to counter the “stay home and watch television” effect on travel of major sporting events such as the football World Cup. It is not often that free holidays to Slovenia will be available, so we are all hoping for the Slovenian team to win!’

Participating companies are Thomson Holidays, Crystal Holidays, Solos Holidays and Secret Slovenia.