The number of foreign tourists has increased. In total, there were more than 2.6 million tourists in Slovakia during the first half of the year
The number of foreign tourists has increased. In total, there were more than 2.6 million tourists in Slovakia during the first half of the year
In the first half of 2024, Slovak tourist destinations recorded a significant increase in foreign tourists and their overnight stays, by almost 8 percent. In total, Slovakia was visited by more than 2.6 million tourists in this period, while the growth of foreign visitors was faster than that of domestic visitors. This trend supports the long-term intention of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport to increase the share of foreign tourists in the total number of visitors.
Although the data for the first half of the year does not yet take into account the ongoing summer season, in the first half of 2024, Slovakia recorded more than 2.6 million visitors, who made more than 6.6 million overnight stays. The number of overnight stays of foreign visitors grew the most significantly, by almost 8% year-on-year. Of the total number of visitors, 64% were domestic tourists, while their number increased by 1.3%. The number of foreign tourists increased by 3.2%, with most of them coming from the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.
Another positive figure is the year-on-year growth in sales in accommodation. These grew by more than 11% in the first half of the year and reached €270.8 million (excluding VAT).
The ministry expects that the summer holiday months, which are slowly coming to an end, will bring another positive development in attendance. "We believe that the stable summer weather will also have a positive effect on the number of visitors in the holiday months. Autumn will traditionally attract especially lovers of mountain hiking and increased attendance by seniors," said Minister of Tourism and Sports Dušan Keketi.
From next year, the amendment to the law brings new possibilities for the use of recreational vouchers, which employees will be able to transfer to their parents. This change can significantly increase the availability of recreation for lower-income families and boost domestic tourism. Currently, recreational vouchers are non-transferable and employees can receive a contribution of 55% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of EUR 275 per calendar year.