Tina Hiti is a Slovenian guide who has worked with Rick Steves for many years. For her current perspective on the status of tourism there, why the Soca River is such a significant artery, and insights about Rick Steves please read my recent interview with her (07/13/21).

For the latest Slovenian travel rules and restrictions please visit the US Embassy Slovenia Website.

Q) Can you please briefly tell us about you and what made you want to become a tour guide?

My name is Tina Hiti and I come from Slovenia, from a little village called Zabreznica. The community where I live is culturally extremely rich and we have a path of cultural heritage going through the ten villages near mine. Our greatest poet France Preseren has been born in one of them, and the best beekeeper of the country, Anton Jansa, as well. Going to the elementary school I was a part of the tourist class and we were bringing on other pupils on the path of culture. I always loved to listen to the stories of my grandparents, was intrigued by history and different cultures. Growing up travel became my biggest passion and in the 25 years of my guiding career I have never regretted that I choose that path, because it is absolutely beautiful. For me it has been always been my passion and love, never a job.

Q) Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry. Can you please give us the present day, on the ground overview of the situation in Slovenia?

Ah yes, Covid truly affected our lives. We went from having the best tourism season in 2019 to completely no guiding days for almost a year and a half. When your job is your passion and hobby, that world broke into pieces. At first I couldn’t believe what was happening and after going through severe sadness and depression we started working on tours virtually at least for the time of covid. Slovenia is a beautiful, phenomenal country but is not recognized too well around the world, so in the virtual world it was extremely hard to compete with more known tourist destinations. At the moment we are a green destination. People that enter need a proof of either vaccination, a negative test or a proof of being over covid in the period of the last 6 months. Only for the dark red countries on our list the quarantine is obligatory. We had one of the harshest lock-downs for almost 5 months, things didn’t start to ease out till early June. We are hoping the freedom of summer doesn’t bring new cases. Vaccinations are taking place, but till now only about 35% is vaccinated, there are many that do not believe in vaccination or covid at all. We hope things do not come to the point where closures will be needed – especially for the kids that endured 5 months of homeschooling. Masks are still obligatory to wear inside public places, not outside anymore. There is no more curfew. Bars and restaurants are open till midnight, some small concerts outdoors have been organized as well. Tourism is picking up, not yet with many tourists from overseas. There is more domestic tourism, also due to the fact that inhabitants of Slovenia got tourism vouchers which they can spend at accommodations for vacations.

Q) Slovenia has such a rich and fascinating culture and history. I know it is extremely difficult to pick a single thing, but can you point to a piece of architecture or art that best tells its story?

Ugh, hard to choose one. Slovenia is known for its variety – meeting point of three climates and 4 cultures. Influences on all steps. I would say what sums us up are the following:

– the cathedral of St, Nicholas and the entrance door in Ljubljana tells the story of Slovenia and Christianity in our area.

– National University Library in Ljubljana gives out a bit on the character of Slovenians and its best architect Joze Plecnik

But what I think sums up what Slovenia truly is our most beautiful river called Soca – abundance of water, from mountains to the sea, passing by lots of greenery and amazing nature, humming by historical sights, curling by traditional villages and hardworking locals and carrying stories from the past and present.

Q) Rick Steves is a true legend and so genuine and great in all he does. How did your paths cross and how did you end up working with him?

21 years ago I was working on a conference and somebody said to me, when I guided a day tour, that I should work for Rick Steves. I have never heard of him. He told me that he has a small company in USA and does some tours around Europe. At first I didn’t want to write the letter (not email) but then he said what do I have to loose. It made me think. So I sent the letter and the company replied. We did some telephone interviews and a few guides who came by lake Bled tested me out on a local tour. They were happy and invited me over to Seattle. The funniest thing was that my mom didn’t want me to go, because “you do not know these people”… Well, 21 years later I still go to Seattle, love every bit of that company that gave me a chance to live out my dreams. Rick Steves is an amazing boss and human being and I truly believe in what he says “travel in a way is a political act and it makes the world a better place” so we should keep on traveling!

Q) Is there anything about Rick Steves that might surprise people?

Always journals, super talented musician (piano especially), struggles with languages a bit but always tries and that is what is important. He is a very genuine person and probably the most hardworking person I met in my entire life. I am honored that I know him and work for him. Ah yes, and I did do his laundry once when he was on-the-go around Europe!   

Q) Any future travel trends that you think are coming or any final comments about the state of travel in Slovenia?

Travel trends will probably lean towards small and green, boutique destinations, more hands on experiences and spending time with locals and booking things more last minute. Virtual tourism will stay present and it will be a good addition for people that either cannot afford to travel or cannot travel at all. Hope to meet you soon in Slovenia. It is a true gem, people often say that they wish they had come to Slovenia sooner. People are very friendly, speak a lot of languages, country is small and maneuverable and very versatile. Plus for 2021 Slovenia is the gastronomic destination of Europe, so you will eat and drink well. What are you waiting for?

To see Slovenia through a local lens and gain fresh perspectives please contact Tina on your next Slovenian adventure.

Tina Hiti

+386 40 166 554