SSJ: Slovak Caves Visited by 456,921 People Last Year

Bratislava, 30 May (TASR) - Caves that are open to public in Slovakia were visited by 456,921 people last year, the Slovak Caves Administration's (SSJ) technical maintenance head Peter Gazik and SSJ trade and operations manager Lubica Nudzikova have told TASR, adding that overall annual attendance fell by 4 percent year-on-year (y-o-y), placing visitor numbers roughly at the same level as in 2023. According to Nudzikova, Belianska Cave and the Demanovska Cave of Liberty have long been the most-frequently visited caves in the country. This is because they are located in Slovakia's strongest tourist destinations and remain open for the longest period during the year. SSJ recorded a more significant decline in visitor numbers at Domica Cave and at the Demanovska Ice Cave. In the case of Domica Cave, the reason was the suspension of the boat tour route. "As for the Demanovska Ice Cave, the decline was due to a reduction in ice formation and media coverage of this fact before the start of the season," stated SSJ. Brestovska Cave near the village of Zuberec (Orava area) remains the least-visited cave in the country. "This is mainly because it has the smallest physical capacity. It doesn't even have electric lighting. Visitors wear the helmets and headlamps that we lend them. On the other hand, this makes the experience very interesting, as they feel more like cavers than tourists. So, there is strong interest in the cave, but its physical capacity simply doesn't allow us to admit more people," said Gazik. According to Gazik, 56 percent of visitors to caves last year were Slovaks, while 44 percent were foreign tourists, predominantly from Poland, followed by the Czech Republic and Hungary. Gazik also pointed to something new in the caves this year, namely SSJ's decision to scrap the fee for taking photographs inside them. It also plans to procure and introduce an online booking system. At the same time, entrance fees have increased for six caves this year. ko/df/mf