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) and attended by almost 300 American tour-operators, the head of the trade and commerce section at Slovakia's US embassy, Peter Petian, told the TASR newswire on April 19.
"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 the same goes for 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 roadshow hold great importance, says Petian.
American tour-operators are now becoming interested 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 keen to visit the mint in Kremnica (Banská Bystrica Region). They were also intrigued by the fact that Košice will be European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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