Work

Regional Differences in Visitor Numbers and Overnight Stays in Slovakia in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive regional analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on tourism in Slovakia during 2018–2024, employing rigorous statistical methods to quantify sectoral transformations. Based on extensive data on visitor arrivals, revenues, and accommodation facility utilisation across eight NUTS III regions, the analysis identifies four distinct regional tourism clusters characterised by differentiated recovery trajectories. Paired t-tests confirmed statistically significant changes in international tourist arrival indices across seven regions (p < 0.05), validating fundamental structural reorientation in tourism demand. The findings reveal pronounced heterogeneity in recovery patterns: while the Bratislava Region and the Žilina Region achieved substantial revenue growth (46.04% and 146.54%, respectively), domestically oriented regions (Banská Bystrica, Košice, Nitra, Prešov, and Trenčín) demonstrated minimal recovery (8.19% aggregate growth). Critical findings include the persistence of passive tourism dominance (94.09% of national revenues), declining international competitiveness from traditional Western European source markets, and compensatory expansion from emerging markets (USA +398.73%, Oman +234.68%, and Poland +226.55%). The ANOVA analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between regional indices in 2024 (p = 0.362), indicating market stabilisation despite differentiated trajectories. The study emphasises the necessity of regionally calibrated sustainable strategic interventions to diversify experiential tourism, activate the domestic market, and enhance technological infrastructure to build sectoral resilience against future exogenous shocks.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18062753

Authors: Maksym Mykhei, Kristína Pramuková, Ľubomír Štrba, Marcela Taušová, Nikola Kottferová

Institution: Technical University of Košice

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896