Matlovičová K. , Kolesarová J. Židová A. (2013): Slovak in the context of change – current conditions, issues and challenges, in Dej M., Huculak M., Jarczewski W. (Eds) (2013): Recreational use of geothermal water in Visegrad Group countries, © Copyright by Institute of Urban Development, Kraków 2013, ISBN 978-83-89440-67-9, pp. 161 – 173

SLOVAK IN THE CONTEXT OF CHANGE – CURRENT CONDITIONS, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES Matlovičová K.– Kolesárová J. – Židová A.1

Introduction Current literary resources offer many approaches to the definition of spa tourism. Basically, they can be divided into two groups. The first one is composed of views deriving the essence of this form of tourism from the water and its beneficial effects on the human health (thermal or mineral springs). This definition builds on the historical principle and stems from the origin of the name “spa”, which is an abbreviation derived from the Latin „sanitas per aqua“ (i.e. health through water) (Smith, Jenner 2000). Even today, some of the dictionaries define „spa“ as a place where the water has special minerals in it (e.g. Oxford Dictionary). By the gradual development and expansion of the range of therapeutic treatments, particularly of those nature-based, as a primary, in terms of differentiation of the term spa tourism, became the emphasizing of the medical, recovery and recuperative aspects associated with the stay in facilities specific by their location or equipment. In addition, these facilities have to meet a number of -defined criteria and standards. In a broad sense (sensu largo) spa tourism is seen as a form of tourism, the main aim of which is the treatment, recovery and relieve of specific chronic diseases symptoms, and overall improvement of the physical or mental well-being. Although the current perception of the spa centres, in terms of achieving a certain degree of biological recovery, is much wider than in the past, after all, water of various types (healing, thermal as well as mineral or tapped water as a part of the swimming pools, whirlpools etc.) is considered to be their essential part.

Spa tourism in - a brief outline of the historical context Slovakia is considered a traditional spa destination within a European context, since the establishing of the first settlements located close to the thermal or mineral springs, has a long history. The first direct written documents providing evidence of the spa towns existence, include the documents from the era of Belo IV. from the year 1247 or there are also later ledgers of the early 16th century (Sedlák 1970). At that time, in 1549, J. Wernher also wrote the document „De admirandis Hungariae aquis hypomnemation“ (About the Miraculous Waters of the Hungarian Monarchy). Moreover, there is still preserved a report about mineral and thermal springs located in Austro- Hungarian monarchy which was written two centuries later, in 1763. (Eliašová, 2009, Rebro 1996). The oldest spa centres in Slovakia include Bardejovské kúpele, Bojnice, Piešťany, Sklené Teplice, Trenčianske Teplice and Turčianske Teplice. 18th century was an important milestone in the development of the spas in Slovakia. At that time, as a result of increased scientific research on the beneficial effects of mineral and thermal springs on the human health, the first spa centres were built (Husovská, 2001). Later on, these centres also served as potential places for rest and recreation. Slovak spa centres were thriving during the inter-war period. This was happening largely thanks to the clients coming from the Czech regions. Eliášová (2009) refers to this period as marked by efforts to remove Austro-byzantine and -jewish aspects of the Slovak spa in the general. On the other hand, the post-war period is considered as the most depriving one, because of the massive nationalization of the private property, including the spa centres. The shift towards the better prospects appeared in 1960s, when the investments into the infrastructure were made and also many changes concerning management and promotion abroad were adopted in the Slovak spa centres (Eliašová, 2009). The other major turning point in the development of the Slovak spa was the year 1989. Due to the societal changes, there were also many significant changes in the field of spa centres ownership. The last but not the least of the important historical milestones is the year 2004,

1 University of Presov in Presov, Slovakia, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, Department of Geography and Regional Development, Ul. 17. novembra 1, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia, E-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 161 when the Slovak Republic became a member of European Union. This joining has undoubtedly opened a space for the further development, but also has brought new challenges in terms of increased competition, particularly from the neighbouring countries. Therefore, the current situation in the Slovak spa is largely marked by efforts to improve the quality of services that still do not reach a required level in many ways. These efforts should be seen in the context of attempts to strengthen the overall position of tourism in the national economy.

Spa tourism in Slovakia – current conditions In the European context, the region of Slovak Republic is relatively rich in springs of thermal and mineral waters, which belong to the valuable natural resources. In general, thanks to their health, economic and social significance, they are considered as an important part of the national natural heritage. Geographic location of the Slovak Republic, in the western Carpathian arch, creates the great conditions for development of the spa tourism based on the healing, mineral and thermal waters. These resources appear in a great number thanks to the favourable local geological structure. Their common occurrence is related to the areas of tectonic disruption and to the transitional areas of mountains and valleys. At these places, ground water is becoming surface water. The varied geological structure contributes to the formation of the full range of mineral water types. Here can be found almost all known types of mineral waters (excluding radioactive). Their chemical composition and physical properties are the important distinctive features which differentiate them from the ordinary water. They can be divided into: natural mineral waters, natural healing waters and natural mineral table waters (ASK 2013). As already indicated, nowadays, also the other natural preconditions are of great importance for the development of spas. Suitable climate conditions (especially mountain and alpine climate), which can have beneficial effect on human health and regeneration, are the other important natural resource in case of Slovak Republic. In 2011 there were 21 spa towns with 31 spa treatments providers (map 1, table 1, 2) and 89 accommodation facilities in total (47, 2% of which was hotels and pensions). In comparison with the year 2005, there was increase in their number in 24,7%. The total bed capacity was 11795 beds in 6003 rooms. During the last six years, there was not observed any significant change concerning this indicator (bed capacity in 2005 was 11 804 beds). Only the proportion of the beds in hotels was changed. This proportion decreased in 27,3 % compared to 2005 (graph 1, 2). (Statistical Office of the SR, 2012)

Map 1: Spa centres in Slovakia

162

Table 1: The list of companies with permission, for the operation of the natural health spa , received from the Spa State Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic Spa town Nature Health Spa Spa treatments providers

1 Spa Trenčianské Teplice Inc. Trenčianské Teplice Health Spa of Ministry of Interior of 1 the SR, ARCO, Trenčianské Teplice 2 Bardejovské Spa Ltd. - Health Spa Resort of Ministry of Interior of Bardejovské kúpele 2 the SR, DRUŽBA, Bardejovské kúpele Bojnice 3 Spa Bojnice, Inc.

Dudince 4 Spa Dudince Inc., Dudince SLOVTHERMAE, Slovak Health Spa Resort, Dudince 3 soe., Diamant, Dudince Spa and Rehabilitation Institute of Ministry of Liptovský Ján 4 Interior of the Bystrá, Liptovský Ján Lučivná 5 Spa Lučivná Inc.

6 Spa Nový Smokovec, Inc.

7 Spa Horný Smokovec Ltd.

5 Military medical centre, Inc., Tatranské Zruby Vysoké Tatry Sanatorium Dr. Guhra n. o., Tatranská 6 Polianka 7 Sanatorium Tatranská Kotlina n.o.

8 TATRASAN, Ltd., Nový Smokovec

8 Slovak Health Spa Piešťany, Inc. Piešťany Military medical centre Inc. Spa resort Piešťany 9 Piešťany Smrdáky 9 Slovak Health Spa Piešťany Inc.

10 Wellness Kováčová, Ltd.. Kováčová Specialized Sanatorium Marína, soe., Kováčová 10 Kováčová Sliač 11 Spa Sliač Inc..

Sklené Teplice 12 Health Thermal Spa Inc., Sklené Teplice

Štós 13 Spa Štós, Inc.

Rajecké Teplice 14 Slovak Health Spa Rajecké Teplice, Inc.

Nimnica 15 Spa Nimnica, Inc.

Brusno 16 Spa Brusno, Inc.

Lúčky 17 Liptov Health Spa, Inc.., Lúčky

Číž 18 Natural iodine bath Číž, Inc.

Turčianske Teplice 19 Slovak Health Spa Turčianske Teplice, Inc.

Vyšné Ružbachy 20 Spa Vyšné Ružbachy, Inc.

Červený Kláštor 21 Pieniny resort, Ltd. Source: Ministry of Foreign affairs of the SR (2013)

163

Table 2: Slovak spa according to the indications and natural resources

Spa Indications Mineral or thermal Oncological diseases - Natural healing water, low/medium mineralisation, Circulation system disorders and the springs are classified as hydrocarbonic Digestive organs diseases containing chloride, sodium, and iron. It is cold and Metabolism and endocrine glands hypotonic water, which has a relatively high level of diseases boric acid Non-tuberculosis diseases of the - the total mineralisation ranges from 1600 mg/l to Bardejovské Kúpele airways 9400 mg/l Locomotive organs disorders - CO2 - from 2200 to 3800 mg/l, Kidney and Urinary system disorders - Temperature: 7-10°C. Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases

http://www.kupele-bj.sk/ Nerve diseases - natural healing water, classified as hydrogen-carbon- Locomotive organs disorders sulphate, calcium –magnesium, hypotonic, Kidney and Urinary system disorders acratotherma Gynaecological diseases - 9 springs with the flow 40 l/s Bojnice Occupational diseases - Depth - 1200-1500 m. - temperature: 28 – 52 °C http://www.kupele- bojnice.sk/index1.php?ids=14 Circulation system disorders - natural healing water, classified as cold mineral, Digestive organs diseases calcium-sodium-magnesium, carbon, hydrocarbonate- Metabolism and endocrine glands sulphate and hypotonic water diseases - 6 mineral springs Brusno Occupational diseases - springs with the flow 0,07 -5,8 l/s - Temperature: 16 - 20 C° http://www.kupelebrusno.sk/index.ph p?menu=4 Nerve diseases - natural healing water, high level of mineralisation, Locomotive organs disorders iodine-bromide, sodium-chloride, hypotonic water Gynaecological diseases - pH 7,3 – 7,48 Occupational diseases - 3 springs Oncological diseases - the total mineralisation ranges from 4826 to 3001 mg Metabolism and endocrine glands /l diseases - temperature: 14 - 31,8°C Číž Non-tuberculosis diseases of the airways Nerve diseases Locomotive organs disorders Gynaecological diseases

http://www.kupeleciz.sk/kupelna_liecb a.html Circulation system disorders - natural healing water, high level of mineralisation, Nerve diseases containing hydrogen-carbonate-chloride, carbonic, Locomotive organs disorders sulphide, sodium-calcium, high level of fluoride, Occupational diseases lithium, boron, calcium, and hydrogen-carbonate, Dudince weak acid, low-thermal, hypotonic http://www.kupeledudince.sk/kupelna - the total mineralisation is 5923 mg/l -liecba - 1450 mg/L of carbon dioxide and up to 6mg/L of hydrogen sulphide - temperature: 27,2 °C Non-tuberculosis illnesses of the - Climatic spa airways - climate therapy, healing exercise, inhalant Horný Smokovec - treatments, physical therapy (diathermy, bioptron, Vysoké Tatry http://www.kupelehs.sk/ solux, paraffine, biostimulation) pool, (dry, steam)

164

Digestive organs diseases - Climatic spa – according to the Swiss classification of Metabolism and endocrine glands climate therapy the Spa town Kováčová can be rated diseases at stimulation level 0, thus, it has sedative climate Nerve diseases - Hydrocarbonate-sulphate, calcium-magnesium, Locomotive organs disorders hypotonic thermal water with high level of calcium, Kováčová Kidney and Urinary system disorders magnesium, sulphate, hydrocarbons 850mg/L. Gynaecological diseases - temperature: 12,3 - 48oC Oncological diseases

http://www.kupelekovacova.sk/ Non-tuberculosis diseases of the - Climatic spa airways - located at the southern foothill of the High - are protected against the northern winds Lučivná http://www.tkl.sk/ - long-time sunshine, clean, oxygen-rich air with high intensity of caloric solar radiation

Oncological diseases - natural healing water, low level of mineralisation, Nerve diseases hydrocarbonate-sulphate, calcium – magnesium, Locomotive organs disorders carbonic water, hypotonic, warm with a free (CO2). Gynaecological diseases - by chemical composition springs are classified as Lúčky Occupational diseases petrogen, carbonate-sulphate, with a slight calcium- sulphate type of chemistry http://www.kupele-lucky.sk/ - Thermal Valentin: 32 °C - Temperature: 31,5oC Oncological diseases - natural healing water, high level of mineralisation, Circulation system disorders carbon dioxide, hydrogen-sodium, iodine, with Digestive organs diseases increased level of bicarbonates, slightly acid, cold Metabolism and endocrine glands hypotonic diseases - sum of cations: 1485,918 mg.1ˉ¹, sum of anions: Non-tuberculosis diseases of the 3661,67 mg.1ˉ¹ Nimnica airways - temperature: 12,7 °C Nerve diseases Locomotive organs disorders Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases

http://www.kupelenimnica.sk/ Oncological diseases - 13 mineral and thermal springs Metabolism and endocrine glands - cold, low-thermal, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen diseases sulphide, slightly mineralized water Non-tuberculosis diseases of the - temperature: 14,8 - 29,4 °C Liptovský Ján airways Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases

http://www.krubystra.sk/sk/kupele/ Metabolism and endocrine glands Climatic spa diseases - the main healing factor is mountain and alpine Non-tuberculosis diseases of the climate, which has complex beneficial effect on human airways body Nový Smokovec - Occupational diseases - according to the Swiss classification of climate Vysoké Tatry Mental disorders therapy the spa town is rated at stimulation level 2, with ionising influence http://www.kupelens.sk/

Locomotive organs disorders - thermal mineral water Occupational diseases -there are ten springs with average level of minerals Nerve diseases 1.500 mg/L Piešťany - water spring from tectonic disruptions in the depth of http://www.kupelepiestany.sk 2000 metres, water is gathered in the depth of 60 metres, which ensures constant chemical composition

165

and temperature. -natural mineral waters, natural thermal healing waters, low mineralisation, average content of minerals is 1340 mg/L, they are classified as sulphate- hydrogen-carbonate, calcium – sodium, hydrogen sulphide, hypotonic with a free gases, mainly hydrogen sulphide - approximately 5mg/L, low level of CO2 and partially also of radium emanation - sulphuric mud is an unique peloid - Temperature: 67 - 69 °C. Locomotive organs disorders - hydrocarbonic, calcium – magnesium, hypotonic Occupational diseases mineral waters Rajecké Teplice Nerve diseases - 5 springs - temperature: 37 - 39°C http://www.spa.sk/ Locomotive organs disorders - natural healing water with low mineralisation, Occupational diseases sulphate, calcium – magnesium, hot, hypotonic water Nerve diseases - the total mineralisation is 2456 mg/l Sklené Teplice - 14 springs http://www.kupele- - temperature: 37 - 52,3°C skleneteplice.sk/index.php Oncological diseases - healing water, low level of mineralisation, sulphate- Circulation system disorders bicarbonate, calcium-magnesium, ferric, carbon Locomotive organs disorders dioxide, cold hypotonic Sliač Gynaecological diseases (several springs) - temperature:12,3 - 33,3 °C http://www.kupelesliac.sk/ Locomotive organs disorders - Mineral water, high level of therapeutic hydrogen Occupational diseases sulphide (680 mg/l), sulphuric mud Dermatological diseases - it also contains minerals and salts – in particular on the basis of Na, Mg a Ca (3400 mg/l) http://www.kupelesmrdaky.sk/sk/smrd - natural healing water with low mineralisation, hydro Smrdáky aky – carbonate, chlorine-carbonate, sodium, sulphur water with increased level of boric acid, alkaline, containing hydrogen sulphide - approximately 600 mg / L, hypotonic - temperature: 13°C Oncological diseases - Climatic spa, according to the Swiss classification of Metabolism and endocrine glands the climate therapy the spa town is rated at diseases stimulation level 1, with characteristic features of Non-tuberculosis diseases of the mountain environment airways - Speleotherapy in Jasovska cave, which is located Śtós Mental disorders close to the spa Śtós Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases

http://www.kupele-stos.sk Oncological diseases -thanks to physical properties and chemical Digestive organs diseases composition, thermal springs ranks to the group of Metabolism and endocrine glands natural, sulphate, calcium – magnesium, sulphured, diseases warm, hypotonic mineral waters with higher level of Nerve diseases fluorine Trenčianske Teplice Locomotive organs disorders - temperature: 37,7 – 40oC Dermatological diseases Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases

http://www.kupele-teplice.sk Oncological diseases - mineral springs , high amount of minerals (1524 mg/l) Digestive organs diseases - the newest spring has 40°C and is used for drinking Turčianské Teplice Locomotive organs disorders cure Kidney and Urinary system disorders - chemical composition of all local mineral springs is

166

Gynaecological diseases very similar - contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, Occupational diseases chlorine and other minerals, but also CO2 Nerve diseases - temperature: 40,7°C - 46,5°C

http://www.therme.sk/ Oncological diseases - 14 springs Circulation system disorders - healing water belongs to the hydrogen-carbon- Digestive organs diseases sulphate, calcium –magnesium, carbonate, hypotonic Metabolism and endocrine glands mineral waters diseases - temperature: 4°C -22,3°C Vyšné Ružbachy Kidney and Urinary system disorders Gynaecological diseases Occupational diseases Mental disorders

http://kupele.vysne-ruzbachy.info Dermatological diseases - Two dioxide springs Pieniny http://www.smerdzonka.eu/ Source: Official web pages of the spas (see the link in the table) a Ministry of foreign affairs of the SR (2013) Graph 1: Evolution of the number of accommodation facilities in the Slovak spa since 2005 100 90 80 70 60 other accommodation 50 facilities 40 hotels 30 20 10 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) Graph 2: Evolution of the number of rooms and bed capacity in the Slovak spa since 2005 14000

12000

10000

8000 number of rooms 6000 number of beds 4000

2000

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) The number of visitors in the Slovak spa had rising tendency until 2008, and it rose by almost 10% per year. Probably by the reason of the economic recession, this growth was slowed in 2008 by over 3% and in the following year decreased by more than 18%. In 2009, the growth was again re-started to the level from three years ago, thank to an increase in the number of domestic visitors. (Statistical Office of the SR 2012) (Graph 3,4)

167

Graph 3: The number of visitors in the Slovak spa since 2005 300 000

250 000

200 000

150 000 foreign domestic 100 000

50 000

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) Graph 4: Evolution of the number of visitors in hotels and guesthouses in the Slovak spa since 2005 180 000 160 000 140 000 120 000 100 000 foreign 80 000 domestic 60 000 40 000 20 000 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) Tourists coming to the Slovak spa form in average 7% of their total number. Since 2008, this proportion has slightly increased, but this movement can be considered as not very significant (graph 5). Some decrease of foreign customers, which has been especially noticeable since 2008, operators of the Slovak spa compensated with domestic tourists, whose share in the total number of tourists on the contrary has slightly increased (since 2005, this increase represents 2%) (Statistical Office of the 2012) (graph 6) . Graph 5: Proportion of spa tourism in the total number of accommodated guests (%) 8,00

7,50

7,00

6,50

6,00 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) Graph 6: Proportion of domestic and foreign tourists in the total number of accommodated guests in the Slovak spa (%) 10,0

8,0

6,0 domestic 4,0 foreign 2,0

0,0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012)

168

The above mentioned tendencies were indicated in the total amount of sales for the accommodation, which were obtained by spa guests in Slovakia (graph 7). Their total amount had gradually increased until 2009, when it decreased by more than 7%, which could be caused by uncertainty and slight increase of prices in the context of the Euro adoption as the new currency. In the following year, the Slovak spa recorded the growth of sales by almost 15%, which was mainly caused by an increase of foreign clients (graph 8). In the following year, a decrease was again recorded, which was mitigated by an increase of sales of domestic visitors (Graph 8). (Statistical Office of the SR 2012)

Graph 7: Development of sales for accommodation in the Slovak spa (in €) 60 000 000

50 000 000

40 000 000

hotels and guesthouses in € 30 000 000 total in € 20 000 000

10 000 000

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012)

Graph 8: Development of sales for accommodation in the Slovak spa (in €) for domestic and foreign spa guests 60 000 000

50 000 000

40 000 000

30 000 000 foreign domestic 20 000 000

10 000 000

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012)

In the structure of foreign visitors, clientele from the is clearly dominant and creates nearly 50% of all foreign spa guests (in 2011, it created 46.3% of the total number of foreign guests). From other groups, following nations can be mentioned: Germans (15.7%), Polish (8.3%) and Israelis (6.13%) (data from 2011; graph 9). The number of nights which Slovak spa visitors stayed in the Slovak spa was 9.2 days in 2011. The longest stays, in average two weeks (14.8 days in 2011) spent in the Slovak spa guests from and Israel (13.9 in 2011) (Graph 10). (Statistical Office 2012

169

Graph 9: Structure of foreign visitors in the Slovak spa (comparison 2010 and 2011) 35 000

30 000 2010 2011 25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012) Graph 10: Average length of stay of foreign spa guests (comparison 2010 and 2011)

18 2010 2011 16 14,8 13,9 14 13,2

12 11,3 9,9 9,6 10 9,4 8,6 8,1 7,7 8 5,8 6,0 5,4 6 4,8 4,1 3,9 4 2,9

2

0

Source: Statistical office of the SR (ŠÚ SR 2012)

Problems and challenges of the Slovak spa As we indicated in the introduction, the Slovak spa has overcome some turning point in its development. As analyzed statistical data indicate, development in recent years has led to several new challenges. The biggest problem here is the quality of service, which is still in some way a reflection of the lack of investment required not only for renewal of often obsolete respectively unsatisfactory infrastructure, but also for purchase of a new modern equipment or training and

170 retaining quality staff. (CR IMP 2010) Although Slovakia in the process of modernization has made considerable progresses in comparison with the period before 1989, it is shown that this is not enough and that the tempo of changes is still slow. In the marketing strategy for tourism development in Slovakia for 2011-2013, four main objectives for the period are specified: • „Maximizing the economic benefits from tourism to the national economy. • Continuous growth of participation in domestic tourism. • Reinforcement of brand position of Slovakia and bright identification of Slovakia as a holiday destination offering competitive product. • Use of international events organized in Slovakia (World Championship in ice hockey in 2011 and the project: European Capital of Culture - Košice 2013) or abroad (London Olympic Games 2012) to raise awareness of Slovakia abroad "(Stratégia 2013) Although the planning period has not finished, based on the above analysis, we can now conclude that the contribution of spa tourism to its fulfilment has certain reserves. As mostly insufficient is seen: transport connectivity, especially the lack of air connections and the absence of national air carrier, the continuity of air transport on local connections and still unfinished motorway linking Bratislava with northeast of the country. In terms of targeted focus on the increase of demand for spa stays, growing regional disparities and economic problems (low purchasing power and insufficient volume of domestic capital resources) seem to be problems (more by Matlovič, Matlovičová 2005, Matlovič, Matlovičová 2011, Matlovič, Klamár, Matlovičová 2008). In this respect, therefore, orientation of the strategy to cheaper stays at home seems to be very logical and brings first results (see analysis above). The accuracy of the mentioned direction is supported by other surveys showing that nearly half of Slovak respondents (43.6% in 2010) are planning holiday in Slovakia (Analýza, 2010, p. 9). The most in demand activities are relax and escape from everyday life, what spa tourism can offer. Another of the mentioned problems affecting spa tourism is a global economic recession. As can be seen from the Report (Správa 2009), the crisis has affected the Slovak spa, although compared with other tourism sectors only slightly. In 2009, although there was a temporary decrease of more than 7%, but in the following year this decrease was successfully rectified by over 14% (Statistical Office of the SR 2012). In other tourism sectors, a decrease represented more than 10% for more than 60% of them (Správa 2010). A major issue in promoting domestic tourism by the state is the amount and way. In the spa stays, it is regulated by the Law no. 577/2004 (collection of laws 2004) about: The extent of health care covered by public health insurance, and payments for services related to health care provision, which specifies who and under what conditions is entitled to a spa treatment paid for to some extent by state. Usually, the application for stay must be preceded by outpatient medical care or hospitalization. Currently in Slovakia, there are two types of indications: Type "A" - spa treatment is paid entirely by public health insurance and type "B" - treatment is paid partly (ASK 2013). The problem in this regard is that the amount of funding is continuously decreasing, what often has a major impact on the functioning and operating of spas, especially those, where a significant proportion of clients are domestic Slovak patients using this kind of state support. Spa operators see the problem in relatively frequent changes in the extent by state paid health care and thus reduction the list of diagnoses for which the repaid stays are bounded. Frequent changes do not allow the implementation of the long-term development strategies and increase uncertainty in this field. The importance of the spa and health tourism is determined by the fact that according the marketing strategy of its development, is considered the third most important form of tourism, after the summer tourism, the water stays and winter tourism together with winter sports. Its priority status is also determined by the fact that the medical spa is considered to be the main product line of the Slovak tourism. The response to the mentioned problems was marketing activities strengthening at the level of the individual spa resorts and at the national level. Orientation is focused on the key markets represented by neighbouring countries with relatively good transport, respectively with historical and social linkage with the past (the Czech Republic, Hungary, and ), as well as on

171 countries that have significant long-term presence within the number of tourists (Germany, Russia, , the ) (Stratégia 2013). As it is shown in the survey (IMP CR 2010, PL IMP 2010), for respondents, Slovakia is associated with spa tourism, relax, beautiful nature, mild climate, friendly and nice people, delicious cuisine and good relationship price - quality. The brand position of the Slovak spa fulfil our hope that we are on good way to built a strong and in the future stable tourism industry, which in the terms of its potential and existing real possibilities of its use deserves more attention not only by public and private businesses, but also by academics across a wide range of possible perspectives on the study.

Bibliography: ANALÝZA (2010). Analýza dovolenkového správania sa obyvateľstva Slovenska, Slovenská agentúra pre cestovný ruch [online] available at: www.sacr.sk, quoted 1 st February 2013 ASK (2013). Asociácia slovenských kúpeľov, oficiálne stránky asociácie [online] available at: http://www.ask.sk/sk/, quoted 1 st February 2013 CR IMP (2010). Analýza zdrojových trhov (AZCR) Česká Republika, Slovenská agentúra pre cestovný ruch [online] available at: www.sacr.sk, quoted 1 st February 2013 ELIAŠOVÁ, D. (2009b). Slovenské kúpeľníctvo v historickom kontexte. In Kontexty kultúry a turizmu. ISSN 1337-7760, no.2, pp. 28-31. HUSOVSKÁ, Ľ. (2001). Kúpele: Prechádzky za zdravím a krásou. Bratislava: Príroda, 2001. 148 p. ISBN 80-07-00266-9. MATLOVIČ R., MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2011): Regionálne disparity a ich riešenie na Slovensku v rozličných kontextoch, in Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, ISSN: 1336- 6149, Folia Geographica, ISSN 1336-6157, roč. LIII, č.18, PU Prešov, pp. 8-87, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČ R., KLAMÁR R., MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2008): Vývoj regionálnych disparít začiatkom 21. storočia na Slovensku vo svetle vybraných indikátorov/Development of regional disparities in slovakia at the beginning of 21st century based on the selected indicators Regionální studia / Czech Regional Studies, recenzovaný vědecký časopis, 02/2008, ISSN 1803-1471, pp. 2-12, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta- humanitnych-prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČ R., MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2008): Regionálne disparity a regionálny rozvoj na Slovensku s osobitným zreteľom na Prešovský kraj/Differences in the development and regional development in Slovakia, with the special regard on Prešov region in Rydz E., Kowalak A. (eds.): Świadomość ekologiczna a rozwój regionalny, Wydavnictwo Naukowe Akademii Pomorskiej w Słupsku, ISBN 978-83-7467-008-1, pp.125-143, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČ R., MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2005): Vývoj regionálnych disparít na Slovensku a problémy regionálneho rozvoja Prešovského kraja Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, Folia Geographica 8, ISSN 1336-6149, ISSN 1336-6157, PU Prešov, pp. 66-88, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČ R. ; MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (1997): Valorizácia vybraných realizačných predpokladov cestovného ruchu na území Prešova Urbánne a krajinné štúdie, Nr. 2, ITHM FF PU Prešov, pp. 204-222, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., MALINOVSKÝ B., SOVIČOVÁ I., KLAMÁR R. (2012): Stan obecny i perspektywy rozwoju turystyki na przykladzie parkow tematycznych - Aktuálny stav a perspektívy rozvoja turizmu na báze tematických parkov, Aktuálny stav a perspektívy rozvoja turizmu na báze tematických parkov in Obodynski K., Krol P., Bajorka W.: Spoleczno-kulturowe studia z kultury fizycznej, Uniwersytet , Rzeszowski, Rzeszow, pp.: 505 – 518, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., KOLESÁROVÁ, J. (2011): Vývoj cestovného ruchu v Thajsku, s dôrazom na stratégie prekonávania krízových situácií Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, Folia Geographica, 17, Ročník LII, ISSN 1336-6149, ISSN 1336-6157, PU Prešov, pp. 241-254, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., SOVIČOVÁ I., MALINOVSKÝ B. (2012): Turizmus Holandska - analýza vybraných ukazovateľov Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, Folia Geographica 19, Ročník LIV., ISSN 1336-6149, ISSN 1336-6157, PU Prešov, pp. 171-183, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2011A): Analýza interného imidžu mesta Prešov Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, Folia Geographica, 17, Ročník LII, ISSN 1336-6149, ISSN 1336-

172

6157, PU Prešov, pp. 217-241, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., (2011B): Analýza percepcie urbánneho prostredia ako základ marketingovej stratégie orientovanej na rezidentov. Prípadová štúdia mesta Prešov in Jžek J., Kaňka L. (eds.): Konkurenceschopnost a udržitelný rozvoj malých měst a venkovských regionů v České republice, Vydala Západočeská univerzita v Plzni, 2011, ISBN 978-80-261-0094-2, pp: 169-196, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych- prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., ŠIMČÍK D. (2010): Kúpeľníctvo a wellness turizmus v Estónsku, Geografia Cassoviensis, ročník IV., 1 / 2010, ISSN 1337 – 6748, pp. 108-113,[online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych- prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K. (2009): What is the Colour of Prešov? An Analysis of Colour Associations in the Population Evoked by a Geographycal Area as the Fundamnet for Creating an Acceptable City Brand Acta Facultatis Studiorum Humanitatis et Naturae Universitatis Prešoviensis, Prírodné vedy, Folia Geographica, 14, ISSN 1336-6149, ISSN 1336-6157, PU Prešov, pp. 167-179, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych- prirodnych-vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K., MATLOVIČ R. (2009): Analýza obyvateľmi preferovaných komunikačných kanálov, vo vzťahu k územnej samospráve (príklad mesta Prešov) Acta oeconomica No 26, Úloha územných samospráv v regionálnom rozvoji, Ekonomická fakulta Univerzity Mateja Bela, Banská Bystrica, ISBN 978-80-8083-916-1, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MATLOVIČOVÁ K.; MATLOVIČ R., NÉMETHYOVÁ B. (2009): Perception of the potential of Presov for recreation and leisure-time activities by its inhabitants/Percepcia potenciálu Prešova pre rekreáciu a voľnočasové aktivity jeho obyvateľmi in Aktywnosc turystyczno-rekreacyjna w obiektach dziedzictwa kulturowego i przyrodniczego, pod redakcja J. Ruta i P. Ruta, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski Wydzial Wychowania Fizycznego, Katedra Gospodarki Turystycznej, Rzeszow 2009, ISBN 83-926640-5-5, chapter II, pp.: 170-179, [online] available at: http://www.unipo.sk/fakulta-humanitnych-prirodnych- vied/geografia/pracovnici/matlovicova/pp MZSR (2013). Zoznam vydaných povolení na prevádzkovanie prírodných liečebných kúpeľov a kúpeľných liečební [online] available at: http://www.health.gov.sk/?povolenie-na-prevadzkovanie-prirodnych-liecebnych- kupelov-a-kupelnych-liecebni-1, quoted 1st March 2013 PL IMP (2010). Analýza zdrojových trhov (AZCR), Poľsko, Slovenská agentúra pre cestovný ruch [online] available at: www.sacr.sk, quoted 1 st February 2013 REBRO, A.s (1996). Vzácne a obdivované vody Slovenska. Piešťany, Vydavateľstvo Turista pre Balneologické múzeum v Piešťanoch, 1996. 182 pp. SEDLÁK, I. (1970). Bardejovské Kúpele. 1. vyd. Košice: Východoslovenské vydavateľstvo Košice, 1971. 88 pp. 83-003- 79. SMITH, C., JENNER, P., (2000). Health Tourism in Europe, EIU Travel and Tourism Analyst, No. 1: pp. 41-59. SPRÁVA (2009). Prieskum a analýza trhovej situácie v sektore cestovného ruchu na Slovensku, Slovenská agentúra pre cestovný ruch, Bratislava, 18.05.2009, [online] available at: www.sacr.sk, quoted 1 st February 2013 STRATÉGIA (2013). Marketingová stratégia slovenskej agentúry pre cestovný ruch (SACR) 2011 – 2013. [online] available at: http://www.rokovania.sk/File.aspx/ViewDocumentHtml/Mater- Dokum- 131636?prefixFile=m_, quoted 1 st February 2013 ŠIMČÍK D. (2011). Marketingová stratégia kúpeľnej turistickej destinácie. Komparatívna analýza stredísk: Pärnu (Estónsko) a Bardejovské Kúpele (Slovensko). Diplomová práca, Prešovská univerzita v Prešove, 98 pp. ŠÚ SR (2012). Štatistické údaje o kapacitách a výkonoch kúpeľného cestovného ruchu na Slovensku v období rokov 2005-2011, Slovenská agentúra pre cestovný ruch, [online] available at: www.sacr.sk, quoted 1 st February 2013 TALAROVIČOVÁ V., HOLZNER J, YILMAZ Y., MATUŠÍKOVÁ D., ŠAMBRONSKÁ K.: (2010). Spa Tourism Textbook – IP 2010, Comparison of Tourism Development Determinants in the European Union and Ca ndidate Countries in the Process of Globalization on the Example of a Concrete Form of Tourism, ISBN 978-80-555-0182-6, University of Prešov in Prešov, GRAFOTLA ČPREŠOV, 127 pp. ZoZZ (2004). Zákon č. 577/2004 Z. z. NRSR: O rozsahu zdravotnej starostlivosti uhrádzanej na základe verejného zdravotného poistenia a o úhradách za služby súvisiace s poskytovaním zdravotnej starostlivosti, © IURA EDITION, spol. s r. o. , [online] available at: www.zbierka.sk, quoted 1st February 2013

173