Čergov is one of the areas that have a lot to offer - beautiful nature, rich history, lively local initiatives and the potential for new tourist products. However, in order to develop this potential systematically and in the long term, cooperation is key. This was the main theme of the opening conference Development of tourism in the Cergov subdestination, which took place on Thursday 14 May 2026 v Hotels Torysa in Sabinov.
Čergov as an area with great potential
The cooperative project for the development of the Čergov subdistinction was created under the leadership of Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš a Regional regional organization Prešov region.
The aim of the conference was to present the concept of the project in the field of tourism, to promote cooperation between actors in the area and to highlight the possibilities of creating sustainable products. These can increase the attractiveness of Čergovo for domestic and foreign visitors in the future.
As he pointed out Ing. Peter Halaj, Executive Director of OOCR Region Šariš:
„Čergov is an area with significant natural, cultural and historical potential. If we want to develop this potential in a systematic way, we need the cooperation of municipalities, tourism organisations, experts and local initiatives. This conference is intended to be a space where these links can be strengthened.“
Expert topics and practical experience
The conference programme brought a number of expert contributions focused on tourism in Upper Zemplín and Šariš, destination management, activities in the Prešov Region, the development of the town of Sabinov, climate change and examples of good practice directly from the territory of the Čergov Mountains.
The introductory block was devoted to the broader context of tourism development in Upper Zemplín and Šariš. After welcoming the participants, the Vice-Chairman of the Prešov Self-Governing Region PhDr. Jozef Kanuščák, MBA. This was followed by presentations on activities KOCR Prešov Region, activities OOCR Region Šariš and practical experience with destination management as presented by OOCR Horný Zemplín.
The second block was more focused on the subdestination of the Cherkasy itself. The development of tourism was discussed in the context of the forthcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy in the Prešov Region for 2028 - 2030, on the possibilities of tourism development in Sabinov, but also on how climate change may affect the future direction of the region.
Good practice directly from the territory
The afternoon part of the conference was devoted to concrete examples of good practice. Participants were introduced to the activities of the civic association Lipany Castle, initiatives Microregion Čergov, the potential of the municipalities in the Čergov Mountains, the possibilities of using geoparks in the development of tourism and the vision of restoration Hanigov Castle.
It is these examples that have shown that tourism development does not have to be based only on big projects. Local initiatives, active communities, the stories of an area and the ability to link existing attractions into a comprehensible and high quality offer for visitors also play an important role.
Common ground for further cooperation
The conference in Sabinov was the first step towards establishing a common basis for further cooperation in the Cerkhov sub-destination. Its expected benefit is to identify opportunities for the development of the territory, support specific activities and search for solutions that will contribute to higher visitor numbers, a better range of services and sustainable tourism development.
Cergov has the potential to become a stronger and more visible sub-destination. The key to this will be cooperation, a shared vision and the ability to develop the region in a way that is both attractive to visitors and beneficial to local people.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
Photo source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
