CALYPSO STUDY ON SOCIAL TOURISM SLOVAKIA

Country study

May 2010

Détente consultants

CALYPSO STUDY ON SOCIAL TOURISM SLOVAKIA

CALYPSO STUDY ON SOCIAL TOURISM SLOVAKIA

Revision Final

Date 2010/03/15

Made by Marion Doublet

Checked by Carine Guidali

Approved by National Contact Point

SLOVAKIA

CONTENTS

1. Summary 1 2. Focus on experiences on and mechanisms for

international exchanges 2 3. Analysis of the four target tourism markets 2 3.1 Structures and players 2 3.2 Segmentation profile 3 3.3 Existing support systems and/or mechanisms 5 3.4 Demand drivers 6 4. Analysis of the tourism sector 7 4.1 Market trends 7 4.2 Supply of services 8 4.3 Supply of services from a European point of view 8 4.4 Sustainable tourism aspects 9 4.5 Feasibility of social tourism 9 5. Legislative perspectives 9 6. Development of products for social tourism 10 7. Web portals 10

Annexes List of interviewees List of documents

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1. SUMMARY

Social tourism is a relatively new subject in Slovakia. Even though the contribution of tourism to social development is one of the principles established in the State Tourism Policy of the Slovak Republic for the years 2007-2013, no important action has been achieved to attain this goal so far. The Government has concentrated its efforts on the organisation of tourism in the country, including the categorisation and classification of accommodation facilities of all kinds. Holiday vouchers have been mentioned as tools to support domestic tourism but this system has not been approved yet. Data regarding domestic and foreign tourism exist at a national level. According to selective findings by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (ŠÚ SR), 45% of Slovak citizens had a long holiday either in Slovakia or abroad in the summer of 2003. The main reasons for not going on long holidays (either domestic tourism or outbound tourism) concerned finances (45.8%), health (15%), not leaving place of residence (10%), work (8.5%), family (8.2%), taking a holiday only once every few years (5.4%). However, very few statistics exist on the Calypso targets. Some associations are dedicated to the rights of the targets but none of them are focused on the leisure and tourism aspect. Two studies on youth and disabled targets are conducted by university experts and shall bring some new information on the needs of these targets. No good practices of exchanges of one of the four targets have been identified. As a hosting country, Slovakia offers different kind of activities and destinations: Northern Slovakia has features suited to mountain activities and winter hiking, while Southern Slovakia offers waterside holidays and opportunity to take advantage of thermal waters. Facilities and services in Slovakia globally correspond to European standards but not particularly to the needs of the targets, even if improvements have been made on accessibility of tourist facilities for disabled people. The main stakeholder, the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia, is very interested to participate to Calypso Preparatory Action and hopes that the study will help the country to develop social tourism, since Slovakia has no experience with this form of tourism.

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2. FOCUS ON EXPERIENCES ON AND MECHANISMS FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES

As the country has very little experience in social tourism, no relevant experiences of international exchanges have been identified.

3. ANALYSIS OF THE FOUR TARGET TOURISM MARKETS

3.1 Structures and players

The main national public stakeholder responsible for tourism and consequently for social tourism is the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. The New Tourism Development Strategy and the State Tourism Policy of the Slovak Republic adopted by the Slovak Government in 2007 integrated the European idea of ‘tourism for all’ as a mean to enhance employment opportunities, extend the seasonality spread and improve regional and local economies. In order to acquire a better understanding of the needs of social tourism targets, two studies are currently conducted. The results are expected in 2010:

• A study on the needs of people with disability in relation to the construction and technical solutions of tourist accommodation facilities is currently prepared by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. The study will be the basis for the amendment to the respective regulation of the Ministry of Environment.

• A Youth Tourism Support Development Programme is also on-going, by the University of Economics in Bratislava.

Moreover, the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic is preparing the introduction of a system of recreation vouchers in Slovakia as an important tool for supporting domestic tourism in accordance with social tourism. The Slovak Tourist Board (SACR) is a state contributory organization specialized on marketing and the state promotion of the tourism industry of the Slovak Republic. It carries out the national marketing of the tourist industry, provides information on tourism in Slovakia, promotes Slovakia as a tourist destination, contributes to the positive image of Slovakia abroad and supports the sale of TI products of the Slovak Republic. The other public authority dealing with social tourism in Slovakia is the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, which provides financial support for grants for recreational stays of non-working Slovak citizens receiving a retirement or disability pension. This support is made through the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic. The hotel company SOREA operates trade unions’ accommodation facilities, which represent 16 hotels and more than 4,000 beds located in the most attractive locations of Slovakia. National NGOs and associations working on the improvement of the living conditions of the Slovak people facing difficulties have integrated tourism projects in their missions since the Montreal Declaration of 1997 on the Right of People to travel, but often as a secondary action. In rural areas, non-governmental organisations such as civic associations (part of the tourist associations), not-for-profit organisations providing public-interest services, foundations supporting various development projects, clubs and educational activities, play a role in the development of holidays for specific targets. Most of them are grouped together in national networks, as for example the Youth Council of Slovakia (Rada mlảdeže Slovenska), the Club of Large families (Klub mnohodetných rodín) or the Forum for help to age (Fórum pre pomoc

starším). Apart from the company SOREA, which set up specific products for seniors and disabled, other private suppliers have developed products dedicated to youth (CKM 2000 Travel).

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3.2 Segmentation profile

There are no specific studies on the targeted markets in Slovakia. Thus, the information below is mainly based on the interviews conducted. Senior citizens

User profile (socio-

economic profile, travel

habit demographics)

Seniors in Slovakia represent approximately 1.2 million. The average revenue of a senior is 330 euro. Holidays for this target is mainly domestic stays during off-season (autumn and spring) because of financial difficulties.

Organisation

responsible for support

There is no national public support for tourism of seniors. However a specific program has been implemented by the company SOREA (representing 4,500 beds in the country), which is supported by the Slovak State.

Duration of stay No data available. Main holiday

destinations

The main destinations are domestic, mostly mountains and spa-towns or tours to sites of pilgrimage or to the sea. Seniors do not travel a lot abroad or for short periods (less than a week).

Average spending

during holidays per

year

No data available. It is nonetheless considered as very low, due to the average amount of pension.

Holiday participation

statistics

No data available.

Barriers and reasons

for non-participation

Most of the Slovak seniors cannot afford to go on holiday because of insufficient financial means. But other cultural reasons occur: a large part of seniors have never been on holiday even in other regions of Slovakia.

Young people



habit demographics)

Young people between 13 and 30 years old are 1.5 million (28% of the global population). They are in very diverse situations, from students to employed people.

Organisation


The organisation responsible for support of youth policy is the Ministry of Education – Department of Children and Youth. The Government is preparing a youth support development program that will give a better knowledge of youth tourism in Slovakia. The Program Declaration of the Government of the Slovak Republic mentions that the Government “will improve the system of programmes supporting hobbies, development of international contacts, information and advisory services and work with unemployed young people, as well as on their protection against negative influence.”

Duration of stay No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1)

Main holiday

destinations

No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1)

Average spending

during holidays per

year



statistics




Reasons for non-participation are mainly financial problems.

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Families facing difficult circumstances



habit demographics)

In the first half of 2006 more than 63,000 households with children took up social assistance benefits for material needs. Among these, there were 41,283 two-parent households (64.8%) and 22,438 single parent households (35.2%) on a monthly average. There are about 10,000 large families in Slovakia (more than 4 children).

Organisation


There is no public support for tourism of families in Slovakia. Social support is only given at the birth of a child. The Ministry of Education gives financial support for summer camps in leisure-time centres.

Duration of stay Stays last from one to three months. Main holiday

destinations

Favourite destinations of families are mountains for climbing and sea in the summer. Abroad destinations are close to Slovakia because of travels by car: Croatia, Slovenia or Italy.

Average spending

during holidays per

year

No data available


statistics

No data available



Financial difficulties are the main reason for non-participation to holidays.

Adults with disabilities1



habit demographics)

8.2% of the general population aged 16-64 have ‘long standing health problems’ (LSHPD). In 2007 the population aged 16-64 with long standing health problems included 36% people with physical impairments (arms or hands, legs or feet, back or neck problems); 2,6% visual impairment; 1,5% hearing impairment; 0,7% speech impediment, 1,6% skin disease, 6,7 % respiratory disease, 20,2% heart and blood pressure disease, 4,9% alimentary tract disease, 5% diabetes, 1,9 % epilepsy, 9,3% mental disorders, 3,4% other progressive illness and 2,4% other long standing health problems. In 2009 the average gross wage of disabled people in Slovakia was 671 euro per month; ¾ of disabled adults do not have income from regular jobs. The average amount of disability pension was 248.90 euro per month. It concerned 202,691 people in 2009. A survey2 showed that most of them (65%) feel they do not have enough money for daily living costs and 33% have serious problems covering expenses for leisure time activities.

Organisation


Ministry of Labour, social affairs and family is the public authority responsible for disabled adults but there is no specific support for their holidays.

Duration of stay No data available – study by the Ministry of Economy on going (cf. 3.1)

Main holiday

destinations

No data available – study by the Ministry of Economy on going (cf. 3.1)

Average spending

during holidays per

year


1 The reports written within the framework of the Academic Network of European Disability experts (ANED) precise that there is currently insufficient data and information concerning various aspects of economic and social life of people with disabilities in Slovakia. 2 Survey conducted by K. Repkova (2006)

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statistics





3.3 Existing support systems and/or mechanisms

No real national system supporting directly the holiday departure of the targets has been identified in Slovakia. The Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic is currently working on the introduction of recreation vouchers as a tool to “enable economically underprivileged groups of population to participate in tourism and thus contribute to the fulfilment of the Montreal Declaration of 1997 on the Right of People to Travel and Free Time and on the Significance of Social Tourism”. The aim of this measure is to stimulate domestic tourism demand, to make tourism more accessible to domestic population and especially to socially economically underprivileged groups, to increase the participation of domestic people in tourism activities and to enhance the occupancy rate in Slovak accommodation facilities. However, the Slovak Government has not approved the proposed system yet, because of a negative standpoint of the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia (ZMOS), which has some remarks concerning tax revenues. They do not expect any changes before June 2010 because of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Slovakia. Some initiatives of support mechanisms have been identified: • Senior citizens

The Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic organizes recreational stays of non-working Slovak citizens receiving a retirement or disability pension (see annex 3). The stays taking place in SOREA hotels are financed with state subsidies. In 2009 the amount of state subsidy was 70 euro for 6 nights in double room, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners including VAT (arrival – Sunday/dinner, departure – Saturday/breakfast). A participant of a recreational stay can use this State subsidy only once a year. At a local level, senior clubs in towns organize recreational or therapeutic stays for groups of seniors, as well. Some Slovak seniors have participated in the European project “TraVeL AGEnt’s” (Travelling, Volunteering and Learning Activities Generating Employment for the over 55s) lead by the Greek organization ANCE (see Task 1). It concerned seniors over 55s without disabilities. Portuguese and Italian partners came to Slovakia, and two Slovaks went to Greece. The trips during the project were paid by project. After the project, other trips were organized for Finnish groups and were paid by the participants themselves. Moreover, the NGO Good Years 50 + working on the concern of seniors was established. This program highlighted some difficulties faced by Slovak senior citizens on holiday: the passivity of seniors involved in the program, their lack of knowledge of foreign languages, which implies the need of an accompanying person. The financial disparities between the income of Slovak seniors and other EU countries from Western Europe make these destinations inaccessible to Slovak citizens.

• Families facing difficult social circumstances are supported by subsidies given to

leisure-time and hobby centres, children organizations and charity organizations given by the Ministry of Education (grant schemes, support of municipalities) or various charitable endowments and private sponsors. The Club of Large Families in Slovakia organizes exchanges with families of Slovak origins from Germany and Hungary: it concerns very few families (about 10 per year).

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• Adults with disabilities are supported by the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic’s program and can benefit by supports for recondition stays given by the Ministry of Labour, social affairs and family. A study related to the construction and technical solutions of tourist accommodation facilities in order to accommodate people with disabilities in on-going.

3.4 Demand drivers

Senior citizens

Constraints The main constraint for travelling is financial difficulties, considering the average amount of the pension, which is one of the lowest in Europe. Concerning holidays abroad the main constraints is language. Most of Slovak seniors have never travelled even in another region of Slovakia

Needs and expectations

in terms of destination

No data available

Types of

accommodation

No data available

Activities The most popular activities among seniors are walking and rehabilitation in thermal spas.

Specific equipment No data available Sensitivity to price No data available Seasonality aspects Seniors in Slovakia are used to go on holiday off-season, due to

lower prices. Young people

Constraints The main constraint of this target is financial problems. Needs and expectations



Types of

accommodation

Low-cost accommodation types are preferred.

Activities No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Specific equipment No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Sensitivity to price No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Seasonality aspects No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1)

Youth are less constraint by seasons, however Summer is the peak-season for this target

Families facing difficult circumstances

Constraints The main constraint for families is financial problems. Needs and expectations


No data available

Types of

accommodation

No data available

Activities No data available Specific equipment No data available Sensitivity to price No data available Seasonality aspects No data available

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Adults with disabilities3

Constraints The main constraint for people with disabilities in Slovakia is financial. Then the non-adaptation of accommodation facilities and services is another problem. In particular transportation means are not accessible to handicapped people.

Needs and expectations


Disabled adults are looking for accessible destination, without any barrier.

Types of

accommodation

Accommodation without barriers.

Activities No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Specific equipment No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Sensitivity to price No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1) Seasonality aspects No data available. Study on going (cf. 3.1)

4. ANALYSIS OF THE TOURISM SECTOR

4.1 Market trends

In terms of tourism development, Slovakia considers itself in an underdeveloped position compared to neighbouring countries (Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary) with an income from inbound tourism evaluated to 0.9 billion USD in 20044. Today, because of a lack of organization of the tourism industry, Slovakia has not developed its potential yet and struggles for development of tourism, especially domestic tourism. There are about 1.5 million foreign visitors in Slovakia every year. Most of foreign visitors in Slovakia are coming from the neighbouring countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Germany (see Annex 1). Demand among visitors to Slovakia is mainly focused on mountain holidays (29%), winter sports (22%, but a first-placed 47% during winter), visits to family and acquaintances (11%), and waterside holidays (also 11%). Of the total visitors to Slovakia, other countries having an increasing share, including the Netherlands, France, Austria, Italy, the UK, Spain, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and to a lesser extent Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. Prospective sources of inbound tourism will certainly include the Scandinavian countries, in particular Finland. At the same time, Slovakia is not a leading holiday destination in these markets, but rather a country in which to take a second or third holiday.

In terms of outbound tourism among Slovak citizens, the most popular destinations are Croatia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Tunisia, and Spain. Holidays typically last 8 to 14 nights, mainly during summer season. As for transportation, 35.3% travelled by bus, 31.2% by private car, 25.4% by plane, and 6.2% by train. Hotel-type establishments are the main type of accommodation (51% of the holidaymakers); private rented accommodation (16.6%), private non-rented accommodation (14.4%), and campsites (10.7%). Low average wages, a contraction of the middle class that previously liked to travel and growth in prices for accommodation in many parts of Slovakia have consequences on the consumption of Slovak people. In particular, the demand among domestic guests has in recent year been shifting towards simpler accommodation facilities of lower categories and classes. With the shortening of work time and extending of paid holiday, holiday fragmentation is rising and there is a transition from the passive holiday to the holiday as an activity and experience. “The aim is to live through something and have an experience, to gain new knowledge, understanding, and authentic feeling, while at the same time emphasis is laid on the quality of services and of the environment.”5

3 Important to mention is the study directed by the University of Technology in Bratislava about the needs of people with disabilities. 4 Tourism development Strategy of the Slovak Republic until 2013, approved by the Slovak Government in Resolution No. 632 of 24 August 2005. 5 Tourism Development Strategy of the Slovak Republic until 2013, approved by the Slovak Government in Resolution N°632 of 24 August 2005

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4.2 Supply of services

The growth in prices for accommodation in many parts of Slovakia does not correspond to the level of quality of services. The tendency seems to replace expensive accommodation by cheaper ones but with low quality of services. Very little is made for specific targets. Nevertheless, an effort is being made concerning accessibility of disabled citizens to tourism facilities and services. The association of towns and communities in Slovakia and the Union of towns in Slovakia organize competitions appreciating the contribution of towns and communities in favour of disabled people, including tourism aspects. Analysis of level of barrier – freeness of tourism facilities in Slovakia, which was realised by Slovak Union of Physically disabled people showed, that percentage of barrier-free buildings is very low: for the cultural facilities is 18.78%, for sport facilities is 27/20% and for hotel and restaurants is only 17.47 %. Very serious is also the situation in the accessibility of transport, which is often inevitable condition to reach the destination. Only the railway station in Bratislava- Petržalka is accessible to physically disabled people. This station is built with detectable warning lines on the platform for blind people, there also a lift and assigned parking places for people with severe disability and also access into trains is barrier-free. Accessibility of tourism means also accessibility of nature environment. The positive example is region Turiec, where the town Martin helped to build and map tourist pathways and theirs accessibility for wheelchair- users. The Ministry of culture in the Slovak Republic follows the trend of improvement of accessibility of Slovak museums for persons with diverse kind of disability. Concerning the case of disabled people, the Slovak Government is involved with Czech and Polish Governments in the Middle European group for integration of disabled people (MEGFI) aiming to identify common problems of disabled people and to outline their possible solutions, especially in the field of tourism. With its natural wealth of thermal springs and therapeutic spas, Slovakia attracts customers seeking health, rest and rehabilitation, which makes the country an interesting destination for senior citizens (see annex 4). The Calypso targets also benefit by discounts on transportation, in particular Slovak citizens over 70 and young people under 26 travelling inside Slovakia.

4.3 Supply of services from a European point of view

Services in Slovakia globally meet standards of other UE countries. Even if some cultural, historical and natural attractions are underexploited as tourism products. Much accommodation and catering capacity and supplementary services are already built in Slovakia but, according to the Government, does not match the possibilities and potential of the country. Slovakia has based tourism development on a low-price strategy in spite of the development of quality settings. The aim of the Slovak Republic is to improve the structure of foreign visitors coming to Slovakia by raising the quality of the provided services. This includes the integration of specific needs, especially the ones of disabled adults in terms of accessibility.

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4.4 Sustainable tourism aspects

The strategic documents concerning the Slovak Republic’s tourism development insist on the ecologically-sustainable development of tourism: “Tourism policy will therefore support such forms of tourism that are considerate to the environment (rural tourism, agro-tourism, staying out in the open, riverside holidays, cycling on reinforced and marked routes, horse riding, golf, environmental tourism, use of public means of transport, etc.). Specific support should be given to all those forms of tourism the development of which have a long-term significance for the economy (including e.g. congress tourism), are independent on weather, not easily vulnerable, and accepted by the local population, etc.”6 No experiences promoting responsible behaviour of tourists have nonetheless been identified with the national contact point.

4.5 Feasibility of social tourism

Some private stakeholders in Slovakia have already developed products dedicated to some kinds of customers, especially young and senior targets. Nonetheless these experiences could be experienced to a larger level and to other kinds of targets. Calypso targets in Slovakia represent a majority of the population, who is willing to participate to more active holidays. The project of a holiday voucher shows that the Slovak Government is intended to develop a “holiday for all” policy.

5. LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVES

No legislation causing any limitations to the development of social tourism in Slovakia has been identified with national contact point. On the contrary, the Slovak Republic Government intends to set up laws regarding tourism and social tourism. In 2008 a decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic laid down the classification characteristics for categorisation and classification of accommodation facilities (see Annex 2). This Decree lays down the types of categories and classes of accommodation facilities, as well as classification characteristics the accommodation facilities must meet in order to be included in a specific category and class (hereinafter only as ‘categorisation’). This categorisation applies to accommodation facilities operated by business operators that provide accommodation and related services on the basis of a trade license 1) (hereinafter only as ‘business operator’). Next step is the integration of disabled people specific needs in the building and rehabilitation of tourist structures – a study on going will give conclusions on that specific point. In order to support domestic tourism, the system of recreation vouchers could be implemented in Slovakia, on the same model as France or Hungary. This launch will need a change of Act No. 595/2003 Coll.on Income Tax and Act No. 152/1994 Coll. on Social Fund to be amended.

6 The State Tourism Policy of the Slovak Republic, 2007

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6. DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTS FOR SOCIAL TOURISM

Social tourism is at its premises in Slovakia. Studies have been implemented very recently in order to facilitate access to tourism to specific targets but the conclusions have not been given so far. The expectations on Calypso study expressed by the Director of Tourism Policy and Regional Development Department are the following: • to propose a way of involving Calypso target groups into tourism • to design tools which will solve this issue of involvement – of legislative, economic,

organizational, technical character • to solve how to motivate Calypso groups to go on holiday, in particular in the tourist low

season • to purpose an information sharing system on possibilities of participation of target groups in

holiday activities • to monitor a feedback on barriers to participation of target groups in holiday activities.

7. WEB PORTALS

The National Tourism portal of Slovakia (www.slovakia.travel) proposes focuses on supply dedicated to specific targets: • Seniors: tourist trains (to see a lot without getting too tired), spa cities and small towns,

undemanding activities in nature • Youth: adrenaline (sport) activities and cultural activities • Families: Countryside, swimming-pools and events There is not any interesting web portal identified in the purpose of Task 4.

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ANNEXES

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Annex 1: Tourism of foreign visitors in Slovakia

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Annex 2: Accommodation facilities in Slovakia Extract from DECREE of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic of 26 June 2008, laying down the classification characteristics for categorisation and classification of accommodation facilities Description of individual types of categories and classes of accommodation facilities: (1) Hotel is an accommodation facility that contains more than 10 guestrooms and provides short-term accommodation. In addition to accommodation and meals, additional services are also available, including entertainment, services for business travellers, and recreational and sports services for leisure activities. (2) Garni (bed & breakfast) hotel is an accommodation facility included in the hotel category, which provides guest services in the scope specified for the respective hotel class, but meals are usually limited to breakfasts only. (3) Mountain hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category located in a mountainous terrain, often without direct connection to a road network. (4) Congress hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category designed for the organisation of congress events, in particular congresses, conventions, conferences and seminars. Congress hotels are equipped with conference rooms that may serve varied purposes and meet technical requirements for the provision of related services. Out of the total minimum number of points under the facultative characteristics, a congress hotel has to meet the minimum number of points set specifically for congress services specified in Part VIII of the facultative characteristics. Only hotels that meet at least the requirements of a *** class hotel can be categorised as congress hotels. (5) Wellness hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category designed primarily for short-term stays including professional health and rehabilitation services for guests. Wellness hotels are equipped with functional sports and recreational facilities for guests. Wellness hotels offer healthy meals. Wellness hotels provide guest services in the scope specified for the respective hotel class. Only hotels that meet at least the requirements of a *** class hotel can be categorised as wellness hotels. Out of the total minimum number of points under the facultative characteristics, a wellness hotel has to also meet the minimum number of points set specifically for wellness services specified in Part VII of the facultative characteristics. (6) Spa hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category situated in a spa town/resort. Spa hotels provide guest services in the scope specified for the respective hotel class, plus offer health therapies and treatments. Guests have a hotel doctor at their disposal. Only hotels that meet at least the requirements of a *** class hotel can be categorised as spa hotels. (7) Boutique hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category usually situated in a building of historical, architectonic or artistic value. Interior equipment ranges from luxurious to exquisite. Only hotels that meet at least the requirements of a **** class hotel can be categorised as boutique hotels. (8) Apartment hotel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category which provides accommodation in apartments. An apartment hotel must comprise at least eight apartments. Apartment hotels provide guest services in the scope specified for the respective hotel class. 2 ) §35 of Act No. 538/2005 Coll. on natural healing waters, natural healing spas, spa sites and natural mineral waters and on amendments to certain acts. (9) Dependance of the hotel is a detached building, located within 300 meters of the main hotel building, without its own reception desk, organisationally linked with the hotel that provides the entire range of guest services specified for the respective hotel class. Dependance provides accommodation services only. (10) Motel is an accommodation facility of the hotel category, usually located along main roads and motorways. Guests can park their motor vehicles on the hotel premises. Motels provide guest services in the scope specified for the respective hotel class.

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(11) Boatel is a hotel-like accommodation facility located on a permanently anchored ship with more than ten cabins. Only permanent beds are allowed. (12) Guest house is a simple, hotel-like accommodation facility with at least five guest rooms and a maximum of four permanent beds pre room. Breakfast, and/or all daily meals, is served and basic services provided. (13) Apartment house is an accommodation facility usually operated during a tourist season only; it offers short-term accommodation in at least five apartments or studios. (14) Tourist hostel is a simple accommodation facility with a higher number of beds in guest rooms. Shared sanitary facilities are available only. (15) Holiday village is an accommodation facility that provides short-term accommodation solely in buildings run by the operator in guestrooms with two or four beds. A holiday village may have the form of a) a separate resort that meets all requirements specified in tables attached in the annex; b) a part of a campground, which has to meet the same classification characteristics as a separate holiday village resort but the entrance area with the reception desk/room and all other equipment and facilities are shared; c) a dependence of a hotel facility that provides the entire range of guest services specified for the respective holiday village class to the guests staying in the holiday village. (16) Campground is an accommodation facility where guests are allowed to stay in their own mobile accommodation facilities, such as tents, caravans and campervans, and/or in mobile and static accommodation structures provided by the operator, such as mobile homes, bungalows, cottages or log cabins. In addition to basic sanitary facilities, the site offers dining, recreational and sports, entertainment and shopping facilities in scope specified for the respective class. The campground is located in a natural environment with green areas and a flat terrain under accommodation facilities. The premises are enclosed with a fence or other natural barrier with a lockable gate or rail, and can be entered via a publicly accessible road. This category also includes mini-campgrounds, which are primarily additional facilities to other categories of accommodation facilities, or restaurants and sports premises. Guests in the mini-campgrounds use their roads and parking areas, entrance premises and dining facilities. The mini-campground enables the guests to stay in their own accommodation facilities, in not more than 20 permanently marked camping units with power hook-ups; a part of the units may be made up of camping lots equipped with electricity, waste and water hook-ups to place mobile homes on. Other features of a mini-campground must at least meet requirements applicable to the ** campground classes. (17) Campsite is a simple accommodation facility where guests stay in their own accommodation units. The campsite premises are marked and naturally enclosed. The premises are centrally lit in the case of reduced visibility. At least 8-hour guest reception service is provided in a dedicated and marked place during peak check-in/check-out hours. The campsite has a source of drinkable water and separate toilets for men and women. Waste bins are available and regularly emptied. (18) Private accommodation means accommodation in dedicated rooms of family houses or in an entire building constructed for this purpose, especially a family house, holiday house, cottage or chalet. Private accommodation is provided in rooms or buildings. This category also includes a holiday flat, to which the following classification characteristics specified for a room and building apply: a) equipment and furnishings according to the building; b) sanitary facilities according to a room; c) entrance area according to a room; d) changing of linen in the same manner is in the case of a room or building.

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Statistics on accommodation facilities in Slovakia for the 1st-3rd quarter in the year 2009/2008 (Ministry of Economy):

Indicator 1-3 Q 2008 1-3 Q 2009 INDICES 09/08

Total Number of Accommodation Establishments 3 478 3 347 96,2%

of which: Hotels, Motels, Boatels 598 614 102,7% Boarding Houses 719 709 98,6% Tourist Residences 368 335 91,0% Cottage Colonies 73 64 87,7% Other Collective Establ. (Camping and Others) 1 037 978 94,3% Private Accommodation 683 643 94,1% Total Number of Rooms 59 500 59 166 99,4%

of which: Hotels, Motels, Boatels 25 169 26 591 105,6% Boarding Houses 8 747 8 784 100,4% Tourist Residences 7 203 6 479 89,9% Cottage Colonies 1 715 1 488 86,8% Other Collective Establ. (Camping and Others) 14 133 13 295 94,1% Private Accommodation 2 533 2 389 94,3% Total Number of Bed Places 156 537 153 323 97,9%

of which: Hotels, Motels, Boatels 58 503 61 491 105,1% Boarding Houses 22 938 22 797 99,4% Tourist Residences 21 452 19 370 90,3% Cottage Colonies 6 783 5 713 84,2% Other Collective Establ. (Camping and Others) 39 503 36 206 91,7% Private Accommodation 7 358 6 823 92,7%

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Annex 3: Trade Unions in Slovakia

Source: Report “Consultation on Tourism and Holiday Activities for Workers”, International

Bureau of Social Tourism, Brussels, May 2005

The Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic (KOZ SR) assembles 37 trade unions in the Slovak Republic. The hotel company SOREA ltd. was founded in 1993 by a single founder Jednotný majetkový fond ZOO SR (The Single Property Fund of the TU Organizations of SR) with the aim to operate trade unions’ accommodation facilities. Currently, the company provides accommodation, board and other complementary services in 16 hotels, which are located in the most attractive locations of Slovakia (High and Low Tatras, Pieštany, The Lubovna Spa and Bratislava). More than 160,000 clients a year get serviced in the SOREA facilities (the biggest hotel network in Slovakia). SOREA offers a wide spectrum of services as to quality, price, facility location, etc., hence the clientele spectrum is wide. The company offers room, board and other services in its facilities graded from * to ***. Most of the three star hotels have been refurbished. The overall SOREA capacity is 4000 beds a day, which amounts to approximately 9% of the overall number of beds currently offered by hotels, boatels and motels in the Slovak Republic. In 2003, its average use rate was 53,5% compared to the national average of about 30%. In 2003, the number of bed/days in the SOREA facilities was 649,187. The number of foreign guests has been growing and in 2003 it accounted to 61,6 % of all bed/days. Local clients represented an outstanding 38,4%. The clientele comprised customers from the Czech Republic (37%), ranking first, followed then by clients from Poland, Germany, Hungary, Ukraine and Russia. As for the various segments of the clientele, 3 basic groups can be defined: families with children, young people and senior clients. Most of them are middle class people interested in travelling, sports and hiking. Business people are rather the exception and mostly comprise the clientele in SOREA hotels in Bratislava and Pieštany. Due to an increased demand in the area of conference services, the SOREA company has also shifted its focus to the area of conference tourism and has been providing complete services in this area too, be it the organizing of conferences, congresses or seminars. These services are provided in 6 hotels of the company. SOREA also offers traditional family holidays, rehabilitation stays in spas, fitness holidays focusing on the elimination of the consequences of the current life style and wellness days using unconventional treatment methods. SOREA facilities also offer a wide range of educative group trips to many natural, cultural and historical sights in various regions of Slovakia. The hotels are providing on commercial basis and the hotel service is offered to all clients, not only to members of trade unions. With some unions the company has concluded contracts and agreements on further cooperation. Members of such unions enjoy various advantages in the SOREA hotel facilities, such as discounts and a wider range of complementary services. The unions and their local organizations often make use of conference services when organizing congresses, business meetings and conferences. The SOREA company uses all accessible marketing means to support sales, presentation, brand promotion and name and image making of the company. Via its advertising company, SOREA is engaged in advertising and the promotion of activities, the production of promotion materials (advertising in print and electronic media, production of promotion catalogues, brochures, leaflets, CDs and other products, such as gift materials, etc.) In the area of sales support tools utilization, the company is known in professional circles as a regular participant in international and national exhibitions, trade fairs and workshops. Every year, SOREA takes part in the most important contractual and trade fairs and exhibitions in Europe (mainly Eastern and Central Europe). These events include e.g. CMT in Stuttgart, Holiday World in Prague, Go in Brno, RDA in Cologne, ITF Slovakiatour in Bratislava, exhibitions and workshops in Poland (Poznan, Krakow, Warsaw), Seniorenmesse in Vienna, ITB Berlin, Vacatienbeurs in Utrecht, Utazás in Budapest, workshops in the Baltic states, Moscow and the Ukraine. Regular customers of the company are privileged by means of a loyalty program. Besides, the marketing department evaluates the satisfaction of guests by means of guest questionnaires. In collaboration with partners, the company holds several contests (Národná obroda, Resanka, Železnice SR, etc.). The company’s public relations are bolstered at annual press conferences, making good use of contacts with media representatives, as well as via PR articles and reports. The company is an

active member of professional organizations, e.g. The High Tatras Tourist Trade Association,– Association of German Bus Transport Operators, Association Slovakia. SOREA also takes part in selling hotel capacities through a broad network of international and domestic trade partners, travel agencies and tour operators. The company’s most significant partners include travel agencies: Satur (Slovakia), Atis (The Czech Republic), Pilgrim (Slovakia), Cedok (The Czech Republic), Fischer (The Czech Republic), Lino (Slovakia), Tipatour (The Czech Republic), Neckermann (Germany), Liptour (Slovakia), Chopok (Slovakia Reyes (The Czech Republic), Orbis (Poland). Sorea ltd., Bratislava is the largest hotel company in the Slovak republic. For themain activity - providing accommodatiThe hotels are situated in very attractive locations of the Slovak Republic; inTatras, in Lubovna Spa in Nová Lubovna, in Pieštany and in Bratislava.offer mostly standard accommodation in doubleare classed as two-stars hotels and pensions (hotels **, pensions**).club-rooms, libraries, playrooms and sport areas such as a swimmingfitness centres, bowling hall, sport equipment rental, sport field, etc.accessible to handicapped people because of their nofor people with allergies, too. Hotel rewith coeliacia and overweight people. The employees of thetrained and have a lot of experience dealing with such clients,disabilities. The company Sorea ltd. works in cooperation withlarge group is also formed by recovery holidays for childrenregions of SR, and price reduced holidays for children fromthese customers, there are playrooms with many social games,children, sport equipment rental and a library.tourism, especially leisure activities for seniorsUnions (KOZ) in Slovakia, Sorea organizeswhich receive a state subsidy. Theseemployees.

active member of professional organizations, e.g. The High Tatras Tourist Trade Association,Association of German Bus Transport Operators, Association of Hotels and Restaurants

SOREA also takes part in selling hotel capacities through a broad network of domestic trade partners, travel agencies and tour operators. The company’s

partners include – sorted by income volume in descending order Satur (Slovakia), Atis (The Czech Republic), Pilgrim (Slovakia), Cedok (The Fischer (The Czech Republic), Lino (Slovakia), Tipatour (The Czech Republic),

), Liptour (Slovakia), Chopok (Slovakia – Poland), Logostour (Poland), Czech Republic), Orbis (Poland).

is the largest hotel company in the Slovak republic. For theproviding accommodation - it comprises ca 4500 beds in 16

The hotels are situated in very attractive locations of the Slovak Republic; inTatras, in Lubovna Spa in Nová Lubovna, in Pieštany and in Bratislava. The hotels and pensions

r mostly standard accommodation in double-rooms with bathrooms, toilets and balconies and stars hotels and pensions (hotels **, pensions**). There are social rooms,

rooms, libraries, playrooms and sport areas such as a swimming poolfitness centres, bowling hall, sport equipment rental, sport field, etc. Many of the hotels are also accessible to handicapped people because of their no-barrier passage ways. There are rooms set for people with allergies, too. Hotel restaurants prepare meals for diabetics as well as for patient with coeliacia and overweight people. The employees of the company Sorea ltd. are regularly trained and have a lot of experience dealing with such clients, including people with mental

es. The company Sorea ltd. works in cooperation with qualified paramedical workers. A large group is also formed by recovery holidays for children from ecologically inappropriate regions of SR, and price reduced holidays for children from homes and halls othese customers, there are playrooms with many social games, playgrounds, skiing lifts for children, sport equipment rental and a library. Sorea has a long tradition in the field of social tourism, especially leisure activities for seniors. In cooperation with the Confederation of Trade Unions (KOZ) in Slovakia, Sorea organizes recreational stays for retired and disabled pensioners, which receive a state subsidy. These customers amount to 12, 000. Sorea Ltd has about 800

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active member of professional organizations, e.g. The High Tatras Tourist Trade Association, RDA of Hotels and Restaurants in

SOREA also takes part in selling hotel capacities through a broad network of domestic trade partners, travel agencies and tour operators. The company’s

ncome volume in descending order – the following Satur (Slovakia), Atis (The Czech Republic), Pilgrim (Slovakia), Cedok (The Fischer (The Czech Republic), Lino (Slovakia), Tipatour (The Czech Republic),

Poland), Logostour (Poland),

is the largest hotel company in the Slovak republic. For the realization of its it comprises ca 4500 beds in 16 hotels and pension.

The hotels are situated in very attractive locations of the Slovak Republic; in High Tatras, in Low The hotels and pensions toilets and balconies and There are social rooms, pool, gymnasium, sauna,

Many of the hotels are also ways. There are rooms set

diabetics as well as for patient company Sorea ltd. are regularly

including people with mental qualified paramedical workers. A from ecologically inappropriate

homes and halls of residence. For playgrounds, skiing lifts for

Sorea has a long tradition in the field of social cooperation with the Confederation of Trade

recreational stays for retired and disabled pensioners, customers amount to 12, 000. Sorea Ltd has about 800

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Annex 4: Thermal spas in Slovakia

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LIST OF INTERVIEWEES

Name of the interviewee

Position Organisation Type of organisation

Interview date

Eliska Romanova Chief State Counsellor, Unit of Foreign Relations in Tourism, Tourism section

Ministry of Economy

Public 15.01.2010

Lubica Galisova President Forum for Help to Age

Private 28.01.2010

Stanislav Trnovec President Club of Large Families in SLovakia

Private 02.02.2010

Ondrej Gallo Executive director

Youth Council of Slovakia

Private 04.02.2010

Katarina Zatkova Project manager Orbis Institute Private 05.02.2010 Josefa Svirecova Confederation of

Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic

Private 11.02.2010

LIST OF DOCUMENTS • Tourism Development Strategy of the Slovak Republic until 2013, approved by the Slovak

Government in Resolution N°632 of 24 August 2005 • The State Tourism Policy of the Slovak Republic, 2007 • Statistics from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (SU SR) • DECREE of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic of 26 June 2008, laying down the

classification characteristics for categorisation and classification of accommodation facilities • Slovakia ANED country profile, 2009 • Some new trends in the social tourism in Slovak Republic, ANED • http://www.mhsr.sk • http://www.slovakia.travel • http://www.slovak-republic.org

Documents

CALYPSO STUDY ON SOCIAL TOURISM SLOVAKIA