Vanda Maráková
Matej Bel University
Slovakia
Specific features of RT and AT
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Low capacity of accommodation facilities (RT –
max. 15 rooms :30 beds, AT 10 rooms)
Family hospitality
Nature and calmness
Agricultural surroundings
Sustainable development
Experience
Premises of RT development
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Substantial quality of services
Promotion of services
Training and consultancy services for
entrepreneurs
Legislation which should support RT
Trends according to EuroGites
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84 % of population wish to spent the holidays in
clean and intact natural environment
The objective of holidays is changing: holidays
full of activities and hobbies
High quality – key success factor
Trends according to EuroGites
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Short term stays at the different places (people
with higher income can not stay long time away
from their residences and jobs), security factor
Family oriented holidays – holidays with kids
(necessity of kindergarden, children’s
playgrounds, adventure)
To discover the traditional (original) way of life
of local people (return to the nature)
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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Major share of SMTEs
Half of the enterprises in rural areas have less than 10 beds
Not typical “commercial” facilities, but family run businesses –
second job for employed people
Only around 16 % of entrepreneurs achieved specialized
education which along with business experience have impact on
the quality of services offered
Quality of services, price and attractiveness of natural
environment are the most important factors for the demand
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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Although the providers of services appreciate the importance of
internet, not each provider has its own webpage, or the content
is not always relevant, updated with active e-mails
Although complementary services make visitors to stay only
about one third of providers offers something more than just
accommodation and catering
Half of the visitors are from Czech republic, Poland and
Germany
Less Slovak visitors due to the VFR motive plus second
residences in rural areas (cottages), or still the grandparents
living in the villages
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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Lack of co-operation of local businesses in the region
(most of the time only joint promotion) –lack of
synergy
The major weaknesses identified by visitors: lack of
information, insufficient transport connection, lack of
sport facilities and children’s facilities (playgrounds,
swimming pools) even though families with children
are the most important market segment
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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Peak season is summer (top season julyaugust) but also holidays e.g. Easter, May day,
winter and spring week
The most favorite activities during summer
include: hiking, but also walking (greenways),
swimming, picking up forest berries and herbs,
testing local gastronomical specialties
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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The most favorite activities during winter
include: down-hill skiing, cross-country skiing,
hiking and riding the sleds
Only 18 % providers offer local products and
specialities (mostly cheese products)
Results of the survey in Slovakia
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Recommendations:
to increase awareness among domestic
population as well as foreign visitors regarding
the attractiveness of rural areas as the travel
target (creative marketing and promotion)
Development of substantial quality tourism
products (not only beds)