TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, can exclusively reveal that 2012 European Capital of Culture, Maribor in Slovenia, has substantially piqued traveller interest. In its inaugural two weeks with the title, the city saw a 547%* increase in traveller searches on TripAdvisor.  By comparison, the other European Capital of Culture for 2012, Guimaraes in Portugal, saw a more modest increase of 42%* in the same period.

“This is very encouraging news for Slovenia’s tourism industry,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.  “Eastern and Central Europe’s popularity has risen steadily over recent years, and Maribor looks set to be the region’s next big destination.”

In addition to the events Maribor will host as European Capital of Culture, the city already has an attractive tourism offering. Maribor has a number of highly-rated hotels (including the city’s number one rated on TripAdvisor, Hotel 365), it’s picturesquely located on the Drava River and has several interesting sites, including the oldest vine in the world and a 15th century castle.

European Capital of Cultures are cities designated by the European Union for a period of one year. In this year a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension take place in the cities.