Slovak historical cities as an important

phenomenon of the development of

urban tourism

Naďa Psodorovová
 1. Slovakia

2. Urban tourism

Content 3. Historical cities as an important

phenomenon of the development of
urban tourism

4. Mass tourism in historic cities

1. Slovakia

• Central European landlocked country

• Austria, Czech republic, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine

• 1918 Geopolitical unit- Czechoslovakia

• Capital city: Bratislava

• 1993- Slovak republic

• 2004- NATO & EU

2. Urban tourism

• segment of the global

tourism industry
• involves activities such as
sightseeing, shopping,
attending cultural events, and
exploring historical sites and
landmarks
• increasingly popular in
recent years
• significant economic benefits
for the cities being visited
2.1. Historical background of
urban tourism

• Can be traced to ancient times

• Modern urban tourism emerged in

19th century

• Growth of mass tourism in the

20th century
 2.2. Factors driving urban tourism

A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- economic activity, job opportunities,

education

B. CULTURAL HERITAGE- architecture, art, traditions, history

C. ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE OFFERINGS- shopping, dining,

nightlife, sports events

D. ACCESSIBILITY- easy and efficient transportation options, accessible

infrastructure and services
2.3. Trends in urban tourism
• growing trend towards sustainable tourism

• Important role: technology – digital marketing, online booking, etc.

• Cultural tourism

• Experience- based tourism

 3. Historical Cities as an Important Phenomenon
of the Development of Urban Tourism

• Unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural

and historical heritage of a destination

• Important economic driver- creating job opportunities,

contributing to the local economy
3.1. Importance of Historic cities in Slovakia
• Slovakia= country rich in history and cultural heritage

• Historic cities are and essential part of Slovakia´s tourism industry

• Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica, Nitra, Trnava, Trenčín, Prešov=

most visited historical cities in Slovakia

• Home to a wide range of historical buildings, museums, galleries

• They are providing a sesnse of palce and identity to a destination

Historic centre
• Often the heart of the city

• Showcases the architectural styles and artistic achievements of

different periods

• They attract investment in urban infrastructure and services=

development of the local economy
 BRATISLAVA

• The capital city of Slovakia

• Home to a range of historical

landmarks:

Bratislava Castle, St. Martin´s

Cathedral, Michael´s Gate, Devín
Castle
 • Second- largest city in Slovakia
KOŠICE • Cultural and historical significance

• St. Elizabeth Cathedral, the East Slovak

Museum, Miklus Prison Museum
 BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA
• Historic town in central Slovakia

• Rich mining history (Middle Ages)

• Historic centre is a UNESCO World

Heritage Site

• Holy Trinity Square, The Old Castle, The

New Castle

• Several mining museums

 • Small town located in eastern Slovakia

LEVOČA • UNESCO World Heritage Site

• St. James Church- largest wooden altar in the world

 TRENČÍN

• Western Slovakia
• Well- preserved medieval
castle
• St. Nicholas Church, The
Old Town Hall, Jewish
Synagogue
• Trenčín to be the European
Capital of Culture in 2026
TRNAVA
• „Little Rome of Slovakia“
• Long catholic tradition
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, The
Church of St. Nicholas, The Church of
St. Helen
 BARDEJOV
• Eastern Slovakia´s small town

• Town historic centre= UNESCO

• St. Giles Church, The Old Town,

Hall, Jewish Synagogue

• Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque

Architecture
 3.2. Unique Features of Slovak Historic Cities

• Historical Landmarks- castles, churches, museums, etc.

• Cultural Festivals

• Traditional Cuisine- blend of Eastern European and Central European flavours

• Architecture- blend of different styles- Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance

• Natural Beauty- mountains, forests, rivers- outdoor activities- hiking, cycling,

rafting
 4. Mass Tourism in Historic Cities

• arrival of a large number of visitors to a destination, which can lead to

overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion

• dominant trend in the global tourism industry

• it makes significant challenges to historic cities in Slovakia

4.1. Main challenges of mass tourism and their
impact on sustainable tourism
OVERCROWDING
• Large crowds of visitors
• Traffic jams, pollution, noise,
safety issues
• Can also cause damage to
historical monuments and
infrastructure & harm the quality
of life of local residents
SOLUTION:
- Manage tourist flows and provide
adequate infrastructure and services
PRESSURE ON
CULTURAL HERITAGE

• Damage, degradation and loss

of authenticity of cultural
monuments
• Graffiti, scratches and other
damages
SOLUTION:
- Balance the needs of tourism
within the protection and
preservation of cultural heritage
 ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS
• Air and water pollution, waste
generation, energy consumption
• Hotels and restaurants can cause
degradation and loss of biodiversity
SOLUTION:
- To adapt sustainable tourism
practices that minimize the
environmental impact of tourism
and promothe the conservation of
natural resources
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
IMPACTS
• Both positive and negative
impacts on historic cities
+ Can generate significant income
and employment opportunities
- Can lead to the commodification
of the local culture
SOLUTION:
- To adapt a sustainable tourism
approach that balances economic
development with social and
cultural preservation
4.2. SOLUTIONS TO MANAGE MASS
TOURISM IN HISTORIC CITIES
 Develop a sustainable tourism strategy

• Long- term plan that balances the needs of tourism

• It should:

a) involve all stakeholders- local communities

b) be based on the principles of sustainability

 • Adapting measures – limiting the
number of visitors, promoting off-
Manage tourist peak season travel
• Creating alternative tourism
flows products and experiences
• Providing adequate infrastructure
and services
 Promote responsible
tourism
• Educating tourists about the local culture,
heritage, environment
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTION