GEOTOUR & IRSE 2012.pdf - Fakulta BERG - TUKE

Salgótarján, 04. – 06. October 2012
developments of minor significance can be financed rather from internal resources. The
micro-regions have to designate those narrow areas of development that carry the chances for
sustainable tourism growth (e.g. villages in extraordinary landscapes at the foot of the Bükk
Mountains). An increase of the significance of tourism cannot be expected without the
systematic cooperation of local governments and micro-regional centers.
The tourism supply of Bélapátfalva, Pétervására, Abaúj-hegyköz, Füzesabony micro-regions
far outweighs the economic opportunities. The Abaúj-hegyköz micro-region is in the period
of fast growth, whereas the Bélapátfalva micro-region is in the period of slowing growth. The
signs of decline can be experienced in the Pétervására and Füzesabony micro-regions. The
sources of the further development of tourism can come almost exclusively from external,
primarily domestic resources. The narrow sources of the local governments and the small
number of highly skilled professionals form a barrier to winning tender sources. Further
results can be expected from investment incentive, investment supporting programs that
promote regional tourism potential.
The Mezőkövesd, Rétság, Szécsény micro-regions have less significant “tourism supply” than
the previous group but have somewhat more favorable economic potential. The Mezőkövesd
micro-region is in the period of dynamic development, the Rétság micro-region in
„revitalization‟, whereas the Széchenyi micro-region is in decline. The Mezőkövesd microregion
is on growth track B due to its tourism supply; the regional significance of tourism is
less significant in the other two cases. It is predominantly the Mezőkövesd micro-region that
can expect grant funding; in the case of the other two, their location near Budapest and
utilizing the Old Village of Hollókő and its Surround-ings to a greater extent may bring
results. The Mezkövesd micro-region, capitalizing on its excellent availability, should expand
its catchment area, both inside and outside the region.
The Heves, Mezőcsát, Bodrogköz, Szikszó and Encs micro-regions belong to those lagging
behind in the national rank on the basis of their economic power. Their tourism supply and
performance is negligible, which is even coupled with decline. There is a small chance for the
regional-level development of tourism. The Mezőcsát and Heves micro-regions are in the best
position, as they can utilize their excellent accessibility, the proximity of Lake Tisza and a
thermal water supply. The tourism developments can come almost exclusively outside the
region. In my opinion, only isolated development can be expected. For the majority of the
micro-region‟ settlements, it would be worth trying to find other means of encouraging
development/growth.
The “tourism supply” and economic performance of the Bátonyterenye, Pásztó, Szerencs,
Edelény and Ózd micro-regions are deeply below average. The visitor turn-over is negligible
compared to the population, and processes of marginalization have been typical for long
years. Apart from some exceptions (e.g. Edelény), significant tour-ism investments cannot be
expected from internal and external (private or budgetary) resources. Special attention has to
be paid in the case of tourism development so that the criteria of sustainability are complied
with. The Szerencs micro-region undeservedly belongs to this group, since its settlements
belonging to the wine-region, the architectural and cultural heritage of Szerencs would justify
tourism development. The development of the micro-region‟s accommodation supply is
reasonable, especially in the core area of the Tokaj Wine Region (historic cultural landscape -
World Heritage Site) [4].
CONCLUSION
The last two decades have brought significant mostly positive changes to the operation of the
thermal baths in Hungary. Thanks to the Széchenyi Plan and the National Development Plan
several baths were refurbished and modernized. However we can not be satisfied intense
competition can be expected in the near future but effective service development and
marketing communication can provide a competitive advantage. The region‟s economic
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