Capacity Building Academy IX

The City of Kolárovo is a great example of how the rapid development of a town can be sustainable while improving the quality of life for residents, protecting cultural and natural heritage, managing municipal property responsibly, and maintaining financial stability at the same time. It is located in the southwestern part of Slovakia, in the Komárno District of the Nitra Region and has nearly 10,000 residents. The area has exceptional natural features as it is surrounded by the Danubian Lowland. The confluence of the Little Danube and the Vág rivers makes it a particularly attractive destination.

In this capacity-building session, the project partners could gain insights from the perspective of the municipality, how it manages a complex tourism development with a main focus on heritage protection. The case study of the reconstruction of the Dögös area is an initiative, whose main goal is the implementation of the DSG Recreational Park. The aim is to transform the area into a vibrant, inclusive, and multifunctional public space that also strengthens community life, boosts sustainable tourism and drives Kolárovo’s economic and social development in the long run.

After the first preparation phase, the project will in 2026 focus on creating the core infrastructure of the area, including a new playground, an outdoor stage and a new visitor centre. It will provide space for several festivals and exhibitions held in the town. The second phase of development will consist of several additional improvements, such as a designated camping area.

During the discussion session, the project partners expressed one major issue which appears in several pilot areas of the CAST project: many smaller towns are becoming increasingly ‘old’ or even losing their inhabitants altogether through emigration. Iskriva also pointed out the importance of integrating accessibility and inclusivity in the earliest planning stages. Although this should be a standard element of all spatial and tourism development planning, it is still too often overlooked. The partners also highlighted the value of the surrounding Natura 2000 protected areas. This green heritage represents a major asset for future development.

Banner photo credit: City of Kolárovo