LJUBLJANA, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Slovene National Assembly has approved a new law on Lipica Stud Farm, the birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, which will redefine its status from public institution to a State-owned holding company, local media reported.
In order to better protect this Slovene cultural sight famous for its Lipizzaner white horses, the new legislation aims to improve the protected area's overall conditions and its chances for development, according to Slovene Press Agency STA.
Slovene State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Eva Stravs Podlogar, said the new law will promote the importance of the horses and the stud farm as a monument of national importance, and further enhance its economic potential as a tourist destination.
Lipica Stud Farm Holding, a limited liability company which manages the 311-hectare estate, will establish a public service subsidiary in which it will have to retain a 100-percent stake, and a for-profit subsidiary in which it will have to retain a majority stake.
The parliament passed the law with 42 votes in favor and 3 against. Some opposition does not believe that the law would prevent potential future privatization of the stud farm and calls for "anti- privatization" amendments.
Local media reported that the new legislation was matched with the nation's tourism development strategy as its tourism experienced a booming trend in the past two years.
