PREŠOV, 31 October 2025 - Regional Tourism Organisation Šariš region organized a professional conference at the Dukla Hotel „Outdoor Šariš 2025“, which focused on the possibilities of developing outdoor and sustainable tourism in the Šariš region.
The opening word belonged to Ing. Petr Halaj, Executive Director of the OOCR Region Šariš, who stressed the need to connect the actors in the region and to link movement, culture and nature. Such active tourism, according to him, can attract both domestic and foreign visitors.
The expert programme included several presentations of successful projects from other parts of Slovakia. The conference was divided into three thematic blocks - the first one included lectures focused on infrastructure and marketing in tourism, the second block was devoted to the creation of tourist products, the third presented digital tools and modern technologies used in the promotion and management of destinations. The fourth block was devoted to discussion.
Peter Krusinski z RA BBSK introduced the development of the outdoors in the Banská Bystrica region, where the campaign Move! motivated runners, cyclists and cross-country skiers to move in nature. The regional organisation also uses modern digital solutions - the system Smart, which tracks visitor movements through counters and cameras, and a platform OutdoorActive, now fully integrated and actively used.
Michal Homola z Visit Liptov presented a comprehensive approach to the development of cycling tourism - from trained cycling signposters to 900 km of cycling routes. Liptov in 2024 marked 38 km of new sections, renewed hundreds of kilometres of markings, built Charging stations for e-bikes, and also offers themed routes, such as In the footsteps of the flooded villages of Liptovská Mara. There is also a cyclobus and online tool podnet.cykloregion.sk, which allows cyclists to report deficiencies directly from the field.
Michaela Zdražilová, Executive Director OOCR Horný Zemplín, presented the campaign Chavarguj, which, through game elements and rewards, made lesser-known places more visible, connected localities and motivated residents to actively participate in the creation of the tourism product.
Martin Janus z KOCR Northeast of Slovakia approached the concept St. Mary's Pilgrimage, which links the spiritual dimension of travel with the cultural and natural values of the region.
Zuzana Burdová z AEVIS n.o. presented examples from Polonín, where nature conservation is linked to regional development and nature tourism. Within the project digidetox organize excursions on the trail of bison, wolf or lynx, which are supported by local guides and services.
Ing. Luděk Kuhr z Alpdest CEE presented digital trends in outdoor promotion and effective linking of brands with tourist products
Peter Halaj, OOCR Region Šariš
Presentation focused on the current activities of the organization in the field of outdoor tourism development and the use of digital tools OutdoorActive a SmartGuide. The possibilities of these platforms were presented - trip planning, navigation, GPX route export, audio guides with legends and game elements for children. The presentation also included a demonstration of the destination's key products, which include nature trails, thematic routes, long-distance crossings, fairy tale trails and cultural-tourist routes, including the Šarišská hradná cesta product. The presentation focused on strengthening authenticity, connection with nature, sustainability and cooperation in the development of outdoor tourism in the Šariš region.
The end of the event belonged to discussion panel „How to move the outdoor in destination Šariš“, in which representatives of towns, municipalities, sports clubs, entrepreneurs and conservationists exchanged their experiences and suggestions.
The event brought expert presentations, examples of good practice and space for exchange of experience between experts, representatives of regions, municipalities and tourist organizations. The aim was to promote the development of outdoor activities, sport and active leisure, and at the same time to create a vision of Šariš as an attractive outdoor destination. OOCR Region Šariš plans to continue these activities in 2026.
Implemented by with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
