Unlike other countries in Europe, tourism in Slovakia went downhill over the first three quarters of last year indicated by data from the Slovak Tourism Association. "We're the only country in Europe not to record positive figures in developments concerning visitor numbers. This is despite the fact that other countries managed to grow last year. The fall is rather sizable. The number of overnight stays was down by 580,000 in the first three quarters of 2014 when compared to the comparable period the year before," said president of the Association Marek Harbuľák. He claims this number is comparable to 122 accommodation facilities in Slovakia having lost their clients.
The Association blames conditions for conducting business in Slovakia, specifically within the tourism sector such as increasing obligations and expenditures. The association also finds fault with high levels of taxation and deductions. "We're one of three countries in Europe not to have seen a cut in VAT. All surrounding countries are cutting their rates in order to ensure competitiveness, while we're acting as though we didn't need it," said Harbuľák. President of the Association Harbuľák went on to express some hope for an improvement in the situation through an action plan that is being drawn up by the Transport, Construction and Regional Development Ministry. The Slovak Tourism Association claims that even with this plan "yesterday was already too late" for a boost to the tourism sector in Slovakia.
