Slovakia Eyes Growing GCC Demand for Spa and Wellness Tourism

Country highlights mineral springs, medical spas, nature and sports tourism at ATM Dubai

Slovakia is stepping up efforts to attract more visitors from the GCC, with spa and medical tourism, mineral and healing springs, nature and sports emerging as key areas of opportunity, according to Loretta Pinke, Head of the Slovak Tourism Representation – GCC Region, in an interview with Gulf Tourism News during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai.

Pinke said Slovakia’s participation at ATM Dubai is helping the country better understand the preferences of Emirati and GCC travelers while introducing them to Slovakia’s diverse tourism offering.

“This is not our first time at ATM Dubai and we are very happy to be here again. It’s a very great exhibition, which brings us closer to the Emirati people and to know what they are looking for when they travel,” Pinke told Gulf Tourism News.

Four Slovak companies are represented at this year’s exhibition, showcasing different tourism products. Among Slovakia’s strongest attractions is its wealth of mineral and healing waters, which underpin a long-established spa and medical tourism tradition.

“Slovakia has a true gem in the form of water. We have very big water resources and it comes with water, mineral and healing springs. And we have a lot of spas,” she said.

Slovak spas offer treatments under medical supervision, and Pinke noted that visitors from the Emirates already travel to the country to experience its wellness and spa facilities, with some medical tourists returning annually.

As Head of the Slovak Tourism Representation – GCC Region, Pinke said understanding the needs of Gulf travelers will be an important part of developing the market further.

“Slovakia is a very safe country, very peaceful and with a beautiful nature,” she said, pointing to the country’s natural landscapes as another potential draw for GCC visitors.

The tourism offering also extends beyond wellness. Slovakia sees opportunities to attract Gulf travelers through sports tourism, equestrian experiences, polo and its natural environment. Specialist sports facilities in the country also welcome athletes preparing for major competitions.

While GCC visitor numbers vary according to global and geopolitical conditions, Pinke said Slovakia is seeing encouraging signs of recovery toward pre-COVID tourism levels.

With its combination of wellness, mineral waters, nature, hospitality and sports, Slovakia is seeking to strengthen its connections with the GCC and build new tourism partnerships through platforms such as ATM Dubai.