ITF Bratislava 2025: Home audience interested in authenticity
The ITF Bratislava fair was a key opportunity to introduce Šariš to Slovak visitors. The greatest interest was in castles, cycling routes, folklore, spas and regional events. Among the most popular places were Slovak Opal Mine, STM Solivar Museum and Bardejov Spa. An important factor was also the presentation of authentic experiences such as regional products and the music of Michal Smetanka.
Main outcomes:
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Strong demand for experiential tourism and digital innovation
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Strengthening cooperation between OOCRs within Slovakia
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Acquiring new partnerships with travel agencies and influencers
Balttour Riga 2025: Šariš as an undiscovered jewel for the Latvian market
Latvia has proven to be a promising market where visitors have appreciated cycling routes, spa tourism, mineral springs and camping possibilities. The fair was visited by more than 20,000 people, up to 5,000 of whom were tourism professionals. It specifically resonated the diversity of nature and historical monuments in a relatively small area.
At the Balttour trade fair in Riga, visitors formed: 30 % adults aged 30-45, 30 % families with children and 40 % seniors, showing a balanced interest across different age groups.
The greatest interest was in:
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Slovak opal mines, Šariš Castle, Bardejov Spa and camping possibilities near water areas (e.g. Sigord Shipyard)
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Digital tools for holiday planning and interactive presentations
Utazás Budapest 2025: Historical connection as the key to the Hungarian market
Hungarian visitors appreciated the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. The greatest interest was in castles, manor houses and monuments linked to a common history. The leaflet has become an extremely successful promotional tool "Sáros Vár" - a product in cooperation with the town of Sabinov, which impressed Hungarian tourists with clearly defined information.
Visitor grouping: 70 % seniors, 25 % adults aged 35-55 and families with children and 5 % students and school groups, which indicates a significant interest of the older generation in the destination Šariš.Key Outcomes:
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Confirmed demand for cultural and historical tourism
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Interest in exchange of experience with Hungarian experts
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Strengthening the marketing strategy on the Hungarian market
Holiday World & Region World Prague 2025: Czech tourists seek nature and active relaxation
The fair in Prague was an important point of presentation of Šariš on the Czech market. Visitors were primarily interested in outdoor activities, hiking, cycling, castles and spa tourism. A separate counter of OOCR Region Šariš enabled a more targeted approach to potential tourists.
The composition of visitors included 40 % families with children, 25 % foreign tourists, 20 % seniors and 15 % travel agencies, which shows the wide diversity of interest in the Šariš region.
Main outcomes:
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Competition for visitors increased interaction and awareness of the region
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Demand for quality campsites and ski resorts
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Confirmation of potential Slanské hills and the prepared cycle routes
Caravan Bike Travel: when cycling meets history and tradition
The Caravan Bike Travel fair in Nitra brought a successful presentation of experiences for visitors who are actively looking for specific forms of adventure and relaxation. Cooperation with OOCR Bardejov a OOCR Region Šariš allowed to present a wide range of tourism opportunities with a focus on cycling, history and regional gastronomy.
Families with children were most interested in the available cycle paths, the safety of the routes and family activities in the region. University students from the Faculty of Marketing and Business at SPU in Nitra, analysed the possibilities of active travel and experiential tourism.
The main themes that appealed to visitors were:- Cycling - singletracks, circuits, quality of routes, accommodation and services
- Nature and adventure - Sigord, Opal mines, manor houses and camping opportunities.
- History and war themes - World War I and World War II (Svidník), Šariš Castle, (un)discovered Solivar.
Main outcomes:
- Period kitchen of the 12th century - recipes of kings, tasting of traditional Sharis cakes
- Medieval examples - armourer, fencing, period board games, the opportunity to try out weapons, shields and historical clothing
Conclusion
Participating in the Caravan Bike Travel exhibition has proven to be an effective way to showcase the region, offering authentic and specific experiences. Visitors appreciated the interactive form of promotion and were looking for specific opportunities for cycling and historical adventures. The Šariš region thus strengthened its position among attractive destinations for active travellers.
