Slovenia has been voted `Favourite European Country\' at The Guardian, The Observer and the Guardian Unlimited Travel Awards for 2004, an accolade that recognises the quality of the holidays experienced by readers and the popularity of the country in the UK.

The 18th Annual Guardian & Observer Travel Awards took place in Rhodes at a gala dinner on 10th May and Slovenia was awarded first place in this very competitive category, ahead of perennial favourites such as Iceland, Finland and Norway. This is the first time that an Adriatic country has won, with a satisfaction rating of 95.5%.

The very high score indicates not both Slovenia\'s popularity among UK Guardian and Observer readers, as well as how much they enjoy the Holiday experience when they are there. The award, a glass enscribed trophy, was collected by Slovenia\'s UK PR, Mary Stuart-Miller, who was among 132 invited guests in Rhodes, representing the UK travel industry.