The Best Of Local award is a recognition that confirms the popularity of selected local providers, now being presented for the 15th consecutive year. The selection and award ceremony is organized by the media house The Slovenia, with the support of the international media outlet In Your Pocket. After more than a decade of selecting the best in Ljubljana, the organizers decided this year to expand the voting scope and choose the best providers from across Slovenia.
The Best Of Local accolade enhances reputation and continues the tradition of evaluation, which includes both an editorial panel and the broader public, who ultimately vote for their favorite provider in the selected categories.
How the Best Of Local work
- Nomination process – Official Slovenian municipalities can submit nominees across different categories through a dedicated form. At the same time, the public also plays an important role: locals can nominate their favorite providers via an open form. This way, Best Of Local truly reflects the voice of both communities and individuals.
- Expert panel – After nominations are collected, an independent official panel carefully reviews all submissions and decides who becomes a finalist.
- Public voting – The wider community is invited to cast their votes, giving the public a decisive role in choosing the winners.
- Award ceremony – Winners are announced at a special gala event, which has become a highlight of the cultural and business calendar.
- Festival of Decisions – Introduced in 2024, this side program takes place on the morning of the Award Ceremony day. It brings together inspiring talks, debates, and round tables that highlight the importance of thoughtful decision-making and sustainable development. During this program, we also select the Best Of Speaker.
Why it matters
- Credibility and recognition – Winners receive the official Best Of Local certificate, strengthening their visibility and reputation.
- Celebration of excellence – Being nominated is already a distinction; winning confirms true recognition by both experts and the locals – public.
- Impact across industries – The awards showcase the very best in gastronomy, travel, culture, shopping, hospitality, and beyond.
- Inclusive and transparent – By combining editorial expertise with public participation, the process ensures fairness and credibility.
Quick Facts
Categories
The Best Of Local Awards highlight six categories: Travel Experience, Culture, Shopping, Food & Drinks (Slovenia), Food & Drinks (Ljubljana), and Speakers.
Scale of Participation
In 2025, a record 85,766 votes were cast, shaping the list of more than 500 finalists from across the country.
History
Launched in 2011 with a simple idea to recognize local favorites, the Awards have grown into one of Slovenia’s most recognized national events, now celebrating excellence across the entire country.
Organizers
The Awards are organized by The Slovenia in cooperation with the international media outlet In Your Pocket, combining local expertise with global reach.
