Slovak Paradise Tourism Cluster

Project completed

The project aims at the mobilisation of the high tourism potential of the Slovenský raj (“Slovak Paradise”) and surrounding areas and sustainable development of the region, through the establishment of a regional tourism organisation and a Tourist information centre in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dobšinská Ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave). In addition, the local public and private actors (including the Roma community) will be trained in effective tourism destination marketing.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Slovakia
Promoting economic growth and improving working conditions
Regional development and employment
01.02.2012 - 30.09.2015
CHF  1’198’000

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

The National Park Slovensky Raj with its adjacent destinations is an important tourist destination in Slovakia. Many necessary marketing activities in this region are undertaken in an uncoordinated manner or not undertaken at all. A system of ensuring certain collective services is absent. There is no link between tourism requirements, private and public sector and landscape planning. An Instrument for managing quality controls of products and services as well as supplementary educational activities are missing.

Objectives

The goal of the project is to mobilise the high potential of tourism in the Slovensky Raj and surrounding areas and to allow a sustainable development of the region. The specific objectives are: (i): Create new jobs and business opportunities for local residents and businessmen; (ii): provide a high quality of services for visitors

Target groups

Visitors (Dobšinská Ice Cave, NP Slovak Paradise)
Residents of the Microregion Slovak Paradise
Citizens of municipality Stratená
Marginalized Roma communities in the area of the NP Slovak Paradise

Activities

The main activities are:(i): Establishment of the cluster of tourism of the NP Slovenský raj; (ii): Educational activities; (iii): Marketing activities and reservations – information system; (iv): Restored tourist markings, revitalization of tourist areas; (v): Establishment of TIC

Results

Achieved results:  

  • Creation of 12 new tourism products
  • 12 new providers (initially planned 10) of tourism services
  • 1666 people participated in trainings on destination management, planning, marketing, involvement of Roma community in tourism and protection of the environment.
  • Increased satisfaction of visitors of the National Park
  • A web page offering i.a. an online reservation system and a promotion cards system were created.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’198’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’174’207
Project phases

Phase 1 01.02.2012 - 30.09.2015   (Completed)