Two sides of the same Euro coin in Slovakia

The adoption of Euro has improved the image of Slovakia in the countries already belonging to the Eurozone. Nevertheless, our neighbours still standing outside the door to the Eurozone hardly share this opinion.

Above all, Slovakia is more positively perceived by the Germans, Dutch and Austrians. In these countries the attractiveness of Slovakia has increased, as well as the trust in our country as the member of the Eurozone. “During the last month, Slovakia has been more frequently and positively mentioned in the German media which also improves the level of information people have relating to our country”, reported Ingrid Sorat, the representative of Slovak Tourist Agency in Germany. Austrian tourist claim they feel more homely in Slovakia after the adoption of Euro. Well known for their passion for travelling, Austrian tourists enjoy not having to exchange the currency before heading off to Slovakia.

The statistics of the Slovak Tourist Agency have proven that Slovakia can profit even from the world economic crises. One example is unprecedently growing interest of the Dutch visitors to Slovakia. The strongest magnet drawing the tourists to Slovakia still remain our lower prices. Beside that Slovakia benefit from Euro adoption and the fact that people refuse to give up holidays despite the prospect of a recession. Instead of travelling to exotic corners of the world, they discover the beauty of Slovakia for much less money.

However, less positive feedback to the adoption of Euro comes naturally from our neighbours not belonging to the Euro zone. Visitors from Czech republic, Hungary and Poland are afraid of rising prices. The most notable is the drop in number of Polish and Hungarian skiers on the slopes in Slovakia after the Euro introduction. This is due to weakening of hungarian forint and polish zloty which make winter holiday in Slovakia more expensive than before. Moreover, some discouraging influence have had the media covering the “gas crisis” in Slovakia earlies this year. Hungarians, severely hit by the economic downturn reduce travelling even to the neighbouring countries and rather spend they holiday at home.

On the other hand, Russian visitors welcome the adoption of Euro in Slovakia as they expect the price level of services to stabilise.

Compiled by Gita Hulmanova from SITA press reports