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Slovakia Not Known Much Around the World
Tuesday 20 April 2010 Zoom in | Print page
New York, April 20 (TASR) - Slovakia, along with its capital Bratislava, were promoted last week in the USA as part of a tourism roadshow organised by marketing association Central European Experience (CEE) attended by almost 300 American tour-operators, head of trade and commerce section at Slovakia's US embassy Peter Petian told TASR in an interview. "Mostly, the problem is low recognition of Slovakia as a country," said Petian, who represented Slovakia at the event. According to him, the American tour-operators appreciated that high-quality information on the region was available, but they knew precious little and, likewise, neither do American tourists. "They know it was Czechoslovakia some time ago ... a few people visited Prague, but only a handful have ever come to Slovakia," he said.
Such events as the CEE hold great importance, says Petian. "If an average American doesn't know anything about Slovakia, his travel agency wouldn't have any package tours to this country on offer," Petian concludes.
American tour-operators are now becoming interested mainly in historical sightseeing. "They are mostly interested in history, in our ancient towns, little wooden churches, castles, manor houses and spas. They showed less interest in skiing," said Petian, adding that Americans would be glad to visit the mint in Kremnica (Banska Bystrica region). They were also intrigued by the fact that Kosice will be the European Main City of Culture in 2013.
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