Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
| Although it is situated in the very heart of Central Europe, bordering Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, tourism in Slovakia remains fairly undeveloped. For visitors, this means discovering a hidden gem, with centuries of history and a diverse landscape. Slovakia has mountains for skiing, more than 180 historic castles and ruins, and a thriving cultural life. And unlike neighboring Prague and Budapest, it is not yet overrun with visitors. |
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he nation’s capital, Bratislava, has a stunning setting across the banks of the River Danube. Bratislava is a young city because of the large number of students studying at universities and technical colleges there. Bratislava Castle is an impressive historic site, and there are world-class collections at the Slovak National Museum and Slovak National Gallery.
Central and northern Slovakia are mountainous, and one-third of the country is covered with forests, making it a nature lover’s paradise. There are many natural thermal springs and cave formations, and the more rural villages have unique wooden churches and folk rituals. Slovakians are known for their hospitality, and are always delighted to welcome visitors.
The government is committed to increasing tourism numbers, while simultaneously raising quality standards for visitors. It has been offering non-returnable financial grants since 1991, and by the end of 2001, 538 projects had received grants worth €10 million, according to figures from SARIO. As Slovakia continues to attract increased attention, it is becoming known as much for being an undiscovered jewel for tourists, as a key destination for investors. |
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The Slovak Tourist Board
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lovakia, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, is truly a hidden gem in the heart of a fascinating continent. Bordering Austria and the Czech Republic in the west, Poland in the north, Hungary in the south and Ukraine in the east, Slovakia has always been a hub for west-east and north-south transportation routes. Its location also makes it ideal for a multi-center trip, included in an itinerary along with other central European neighbors.
The Slovak Tourist Board, formed by the Ministry of the Economy in 1995, promotes Slovakia as a tourist destination. Its work continues to raise the country’s profile internationally. As Ivana Magátová, General Manager, says, “Slovakia is a small country with a big heart.”
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“Slovakia – a small country with a big heart.”
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There are numerous sights and experiences in Slovakia. Most visitors begin with a visit to the capital, Bratislava, nestled on the River Danube beneath the Little Carpathian mountains. A picturesque old city and many fascinating museums are just some of the attractions. Franz Lizst visited Bratislava 15 times, and an active cultural life remains.
With around 180 protected castles and ruins, Slovakia has one of the highest concentrations of castles and chateaux in the world. Its many wooden churches are a rarity in central Europe, and there is a well-preserved rural life. Folklore traditions are celebrated at dozens of folk festivals throughout the summer months.
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Ivana Magátová
General Manager
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In terms of its natural landscape, Slovakia has unique caves and thermal waters. The aragonite cave in Ochtina, for example, is one of just three of its kind in the world open to the public. With around 1,200 thermal and mineral springs, Slovakia is also a center for health spas.
Magátová invites visitors to sample numerous other attractions: nine national parks, 14 different caves, 200 water sports areas, more than 30 winter sport resorts, 10 open-air museums, and three UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Visitors are always warmly received by hospitable Slovakians, she adds. “In our large towns or small villages you will find a friendly local population, all of whom are glad to welcome you to Slovakia.”
www.slovakiatourism.sk |
Hotel Danube
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he four-star Hotel Danube is located in Slovakia’s historic capital Bratislava, with views of both the River Danube and the castle. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the Hotel Danube has a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Set across five floors, the hotel has 278 guest rooms, including 70 executive rooms, 12 suites and four apartments. All are fully air-conditioned and have direct-dial telephone, air conditioning, satellite television and a movie channel. Guests are welcome to request special non-smoking rooms.
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“You are very welcome at the Hotel Danube.”
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General Manager Serge Yu points out that the conference and meeting facilities at the Hotel Danube are ideal for all sorts of seminars and exhibitions. The Diamant conference hall accommodates 250 delegates theater-style, and can be divided into three separate areas. Three function rooms – Topaze, Saphir and Emeraude – with artificial lighting, can host up to 30 people each. And the Rubis room on the fifth floor, with seating for 15, has panoramic views over the castle and river.
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Serge Yu
General Manager
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| The Hotel Danube has a number of bars and restaurants serving international and local cuisine. Its Amadeus bar on the ground floor has live entertainment every night, and in summertime, Le Café Viennois serves food on an outdoor terrace. Presbourg Restaurant - fine à la carte restaurant – offers you delicious French cuisine. The helpful guest relations department can organize tours and advise guests about any aspect of life in Bratislava. For relaxation, there is a pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, solarium and massage facilities on site, as well as regular fitness classes. “At the Hotel Danube,” says Yu, “you are very welcome”. |
Sixt
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ixt in Slovakia is a franchise of the German Sixt group, which operates 2,400 outlets with 135,000 cars worldwide. Sixt has the largest Mercedes fleet in the world, and partnerships with 29 airlines and hotel groups, as well as an alliance with Dollar Rent a Car.
Sixt is aggressively expanding throughout Europe, and Slovakia is no exception. There are already six outlets nationwide with more vehicles added all the time. The quality of the fleet is exceptional, with no car more than a year old, and most changed after six months.
Country Manager Richard Veme explains that the high quality of service is attracting repeat customers: “As it is our top priority to satisfy our clients and give them the very best service, it will never happen that we say ‘no’ to a customer. Even when our fleet is fully booked out we will find a solution. This makes us attractive to customers, and therefore over all, they come back.”
Sixt combines high quality service with value for money, especially with its customer relationship programmes. Clients can book through the website at http://www.e-sixt.sk and obtain a 20 % discount.
Mr Veme aims to increase the number of customers and become the number-one player in Slovakia. “I would like readers to recognize the growing business potential of Slovakia, and when they come here to do business, come to Sixt Slovakia to rent a car,” he says. “We’ll be happy to serve you!” |
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