Slovakia opens Nordic tourism office in Helsinki
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 15
In a strategic move to enhance its tourism footprint, Slovakia Travel inaugurated its first official representation office in the Nordic region on January 16, 2025.
Located in Helsinki, Finland, this office aims to attract visitors from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland by showcasing Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The opening ceremony coincided with the Matka 2025 travel fair, Scandinavia's premier travel industry event.
The Helsinki office is Slovakia Travel's fifth international representation, complementing existing offices in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Israel.
Force strong connections
Ivana Vala Magátová, General Director of Slovakia Travel, expressed optimism about the new venture, stating that the representation in Scandinavia, led by colleague Daniela Bezáková, aims to forge strong connections between Slovakia and the Nordic nations. –Through consistent efforts, we can effectively highlight Slovakia’s beauty and attractions to a new audience.
Magatova says that tourists from Scandinavia mainly come to Slovakia in the summer months. They most often visit the Bratislava region and on average spend two nights with us. –There is huge potential in these countries for the development of inbound tourism in Slovaki. The Slovak Ambassador to Finland, Dušan Krištofík, also attended the opening, underscoring the importance of strengthening tourism ties between Slovakia and the Nordic countries.
5.9 million visitors in 2024
This initiative comes as Slovakia's tourism sector shows signs of recovery. In 2024, the country recorded approximately 5.9 million visitors to accommodation establishments, a 3% increase from the previous year. However, this figure remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 6.4 million tourists in 2019.
Slovak outbound tourism in 2023
In 2023, over 1.1 million Slovak residents utilized services from travel agencies and tour operators, marking a 66% increase compared to the previous year and aligning with pre-pandemic levels.
Scandinavian tourism market in 2023
The Scandinavian travel industry demonstrated a robust recovery in 2023, with overall gross bookings growing by 16% year-over-year, indicating renewed traveler enthusiasm and a rebound in air capacity.
Trade relations
Slovakia maintains active business relations with Scandinavian countries, encompassing trade, investment, and tourism initiatives.
Denmark: The bilateral relations between Denmark and Slovakia are characterized as good and friendly. Denmark has an embassy in Bratislava, while Slovakia maintains an embassy in Copenhagen. Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Sweden: In 2022, Slovakia exported goods worth $1.43 billion to Sweden. Major exports included cars ($422 million), video displays ($211 million), and electrical machinery.
Investment and business presence
Norway: Norwegian businesses have shown increasing interest in Slovakia, with investments in various sectors. Although bilateral trade remains relatively modest, Slovakia's visibility in Norway is growing, leading to more Norwegian investments.
Top 3 in Slovakia
The top three most visited places in Slovakia are:
Bratislava
The capital city is the most visited destination in Slovakia, known for Bratislava Castle, the Old Town, and the scenic Danube River. It offers a mix of medieval and modern attractions, making it a top spot for tourists.
High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry)
This stunning mountain range is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. Štrbské Pleso, Lomnický štít, and Tatra National Park are key highlights, attracting visitors year-round.
Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad)
One of the largest castle complexes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spiš Castle is a historical gem offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into Slovakia’s medieval past.
Would you like recommendations for specific activities in these locations?
