Tourism is one of the most promising economic branches in Slovenia since the natural assets of this country nestled between the Alps, the Adriatic, the Pannonian plain, and the Dinaric Karst enable the development of a remarkably diverse offer for modern travellers and seekers of relaxation. Every year, almost half a million tourists from abroad visit Slovenia, a truly green corner of Europe that in its relatively small area encompasses all the beauties of the Old World. The greatest number of tourists come from Germany, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Great Britain, The Netherlands, and other European countries, and increasing numbers are arriving from the United States. Due to its diversity, accessibility, and the preservation of its traditions, Slovenia is especially interesting for those who seek their pleasures in mountains and lakes, in natural and landscape parks boasting excellently preserved folk architecture, on the ski slopes, on mountain trails, or in adrenaline-producing sports. Mineral and thermal springs promise relaxation, refreshment, and rejuvenation at Slovenia's fifteen health resorts, many of which pride themselves on more than a century of operation. In every corner of the country, tourist farms offer the delights of incredibly diverse landscapes, winegrowing regions, and culinary specialties. Slovenia's cities and towns offer the wealth of their Roman and medieval heritage and original architecture balanced by attractive street cafés, first-class restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Under the warm Mediterranean sun, Slovenia's coast and karst region offers ancient ports and traditional saltworks with marshy reserves for migrating birds, tourist colonies with marinas, recreational airports, thermal spas, casinos, and more than seven thousand registered karst caves. Postojna Cave, explored as early as 1213, is the most visited cave in Europe, and the Skocjan Caves are included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The karst region also offers the Lipica Stud and Riding Center, the birthplace and home of the beautiful Lipizzaner horse since 1580. Slovenia offers lovers of "white" sports and recreation numerous well-organized ski centers offering alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tobogganing. At Kranjska Gora, Maribor's Pohorje, Vogel, Kanin, Rogla, Krvavec, and many other winter sports centers, you can learn to ski with highly qualified instructors. For those who love the "blue" pleasures of the skies, Slovenia has several flying centers, parachuting and hang- gliding clubs, and a ballooning association. Slovenia has hosted World Championships in gliding, parachuting, and paragliding as well as a European Championship in ballooning. The winds on the Adriatic draw sailors and windsurfers, while the sea, lakes, and rivers attract divers. Diving with a guide is also possible in the underground rivers of karst caves. To many kayakers, canoeists, and rafters, the wild Soca River is the most beautiful in Europe. Everywhere in Slovenia there are horseback riding clubs, marked hiking and walking trails, and interesting bicycle routes for street and mountain biking. And of course, Slovenia offers several attractive golf courses.