Curious visitors and a great atmosphere
Zemplínska Šírava has had a successful start to the summer season. Within just the first two days after the opening of the new zones and attractions, several thousand visitors arrived on Saturday and Sunday (May 30–31), filling Medvedia hora, Kamenec, and the area around Thermalpark. Visitors came primarily from the Košice and Prešov regions, but also from more distant parts of Slovakia, confirming Šírava’s growing importance as a family and adventure destination. This information was provided by Tibor Tabak, Executive Director of ZOOCR Dolný Zemplín.
“This year’s season opening was special because we are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the creation of Zemplínska Šírava (1966–2026). The atmosphere over the weekend was excellent—music, regional cuisine, Tokaj wines, children’s attractions, and an all-day program created an energy reminiscent of the “Slovak Sea’s” heyday. Public interest confirmed that this type of family-oriented event can attract visitors, and there’s something for everyone here. At the same time, it showed that the region is increasingly ready to return to the ranks of Slovakia’s top destinations,” said T. Tabak.
The grand opening brought together representatives of the state, the Košice Self-Governing Region, and regional tourism organizations, who declared a shared interest in the systematic development of Zemplínska Šírava. They also expressed interest in state support for tourism. On Saturday, they officially opened the interactive educational playground “Mokraďkovo” on Medvedia Hora, which introduces visitors to the history and nature of Zemplínska Šírava.
Mokraďkovo should attract children and families
Rastislav Trnka, chairman of the Košice Self-Governing Region, emphasized that linking accommodation facilities with new activities—specifically the new Mokraďkovo playground—is intended to attract visitors and children to the area and to support other local services and tourism. “This project was funded through a call for proposals aimed at developing existing facilities and supplementing them with additional activities that could attract visitors. I believe that the Medvedia Hora-Anima facility is one of those lodging locations that could be improved a bit further,” said R. Trnka. He also wished Šírava at least another 60 years of even greater success so that it could achieve visitor numbers exceeding one million per year, as was the case in the years following its creation.
by www.dolnyzemplin.eu
