Green tourism, outstanding gastronomy, and a prestigious sustainability award presented to Sabina and Grega Repovž took centre stage at one of Europe’s leading gastronomic events –the international JRE – Jeunes Restaurateurs Congress in Cologne. The programme also featured a high-level dialogue on sustainability in tourism and gastronomy, where Rebeka Kumer Bizjak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board Office in Germany, outlined Slovenia’s structured and long-term approach to sustainable development.

Held from 19 to 20 April in Cologne, the JRE – Jeunes Restaurateurs(open in a new window) congress, themed RE·GENERATION – Seed the Future, brought together more than 450 top chefs, partners, experts, and media from across Europe. On this occasion, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) positioned Slovenia as a boutique, sustainable destination for distinctive gastronomic experiences.

The line-up opened on 18 April with the JRE Pre-Congress Kitchen Party at Restaurant Troyka in Erkelenz. Slovenian chef Luka Košir (Grič) and German chef Alexander Wulf (Troyka) created a dynamic, open-format culinary experience shaped by partnership and direct interaction with guests. “This is what JRE stands for – partnership, exchange of ideas, and cooking without borders,” said Luka Košir. The STB also facilitated the attendance of key international, particularly German, media and presented Slovenia’s tourism offer.

Strong Slovenian presence and a focus on sustainability

Slovenia stood out as a compelling example of a green gastronomic destination, both within the conference agenda and at the JRE Summit, where Slovenian representatives contributed to expert discussions.
Rebeka Kumer Bizjak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board Office in Germany, presented Slovenia as a destination where sustainability is a core development principle

Rebeka Kumer Bizjak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board Office in Germany, presented Slovenia as a destination where sustainability is a core development principle: “In Slovenia, sustainability is the foundation of tourism and gastronomy. Top chefs play a key role as ambassadors of local environments, seasonal ingredients, and responsible practices. Through their creativity and commitment, they strengthen Slovenia’s global visibility while shaping a high-quality and responsible culinary experience.”
Masterclass by Bine Volčič

A key highlight at the JRE Summit was a masterclass by renowned chef Bine Volčič, showcasing the creativity, expertise, and innovation of Slovenian cuisine to an international professional audience.

A Prestigious Sustainability Award in the Hands of Slovenian Gastronomy

A major milestone for Slovenian gastronomy was the award ceremony, where Sabina and Grega Repovž of Gostilna Repovž received the top JRE Sustainability Award 2026. The award recognises their holistic commitment – from ingredient sourcing to the overall guest experience – and further strengthens Slovenia’s position as a leader in responsible gastronomy.

Other Slovenian nominees included Katarina Berglez Volčič (Monstera – Hospitality Award), Igor Jagodic (Restavracija Strelec – Chef of the Year), Martin Mahorčič (Gostilna Mahorčič – Sommelier of the Year), Luka Košir (Grič – Taste of Origin Award), and Leon Pintarič (Gostilna Rajh – Re·Generation Award).

Connecting Knowledge and Shaping the Future of Gastronomy

The JRE Congress is one of Europe’s key platforms for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and best practices in gastronomy. “Such events are not only a celebration of cuisine, but also a catalyst for new connections, collaborations, and future development,” emphasise the organisers.

Slovenia’s participation reinforces its strategy of developing high-quality, sustainable, year-round tourism and strengthens its position on the international gastronomic map.

The event also highlighted the national brand I feel Slovenia, positioning the country as a green, boutique destination with world-class gastronomy.

JRE Congress to Be Hosted in Slovenia in 2028

At the closing ceremony, Slovenia was announced as the host of the 2028 JRE Congress. This marks a strong recognition of Slovenia’s standing as a leading gastronomic destination and offers a significant opportunity to further enhance its international visibility, connect top chefs, and showcase its sustainable culinary story.

slovenia.info