This article is archived. Take a look at our new website for the latest news from the Travel Massive community.
Community and Events, Europe

The Best of Ljubljana Travel Massive

We asked for Iva Gruden’s insight on why Ljubljana Travel Massive is worth getting involved with. Iva is a part of the Slovenia community and helps travellers to discover food and drink through walks, tours and culinary events. 

01SMALL_Ljubljananjam_maj2015_foto_Mankica_Kranjec
Photo by Mankica Kranjec

What makes your chapter unique?

It’s the only one in Slovenia (my homeland) so far. Also, every country is specific, so our needs and aspirations in the tourism business – transitioning from all-state-owned companies to abundance of mini local providers – are unique. The Travel Massive Slovenia chapter is a strong group of entrepreneurs and travel passionate people. Though this is similar to many other chapters, Slovenia’s insiders are able to work together to create positive change within the country. 

Tell us about your chapter leaders.

Our chapter leaders are tourism passionistas who are making a change in connecting all tourism workers, from enthusiasts to hard core professionals.

Miha Anzelc is a partner in a creative travel and event company Židana marela, he is a tour leader, guide, ex-journalist and ex-public relations manager.

Andrew Villone is a tour operator offering more than 10 years of boutique tours in Central and Eastern Europe. He is an ex-pat living in Slovenia by way of San Diego and Seattle.

Maja Campelj is CEO at Dream Travel Box, a marketing/branding consultant, tourist guide and chairwoman of Slovenian-Greek friendship association.

Tina Hudnik is a national and local tour guide, she is a member of various associations in travel and is the cofounder of Dream Travel Box.

05SMALL_Ljubljananjam_julij2015_foto_Mankica_KranjecPhoto by Mankica Kranjec

What is your most memorable event in this chapter?

Summer edition on boat Ljubljanica with cherries. Lots of cherries. Have I mentioned I love Slovenian cherries?

What were the last two events about?

They were about presenting your business case in an “elevator pitch” (+ pre-New year’s party) and service quality. We all, I guess, feel that due to our humble Slovenian nature, still too few tourism providers know how to “sell” themselves and what paves the road to success. We are all kind and generous by nature, but we need to learn how to push the right buttons to bring those skills out to our guests.

If you could highlight 3 awesome people in your chapter, who would it be?

That’s a hard one but I’ll give it a try. Foremost Andrew Villone who pursued his dream of organizing gourmet tours around Slovenia and beyond, and moved with his whole family to Slovenia all the way from Seattle, USA. Then Maja and Tina together as one as being the main fuel and force of Travel Massive Slovenia with all their social media input and international networking. And the of course also Miha who, apart from other attributes, I give credits to for listening so much to our accordion-laden music.

List 3 cool themed meet ups you could see this chapter hosting.

  1. Something cosplay-ish, with a dress code
  2. Hosting a renowned guest speaker
  3. Team building activities like beer tasting – and this is where I could come in.

ljubljananjam_iva_gruden-4Photo by Mankica Kranjec


Our Featured Chapter post is a weekly series that profiles a unique Travel Massive chapter from around the world. 


© 2011-2021 Travel Massive Global P.B.C.
👋 This article is archived. Take a look at our new website.