#waves

The #waves project is a cross-border tourism development initiative led by Arrabona EGTC, focusing on the Szigetköz–Csallóköz–Pannonhalma region along the Hungarian-Slovak border. The project’s goal is to develop this area into a cohesive, sustainable tourist destination by encouraging “slow” and active tourism and the multimodal exploration of its natural and cultural heritage. Instead of simply increasing visitor numbers, #waves aims to extend the time guests spend in the region, improve local residents’ access to tourist services, provide enriching experiences (with educational value) for visitors, and strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders. A broad partnership of Hungarian and Slovak municipalities, attractions, and organizations has come together to realize these objectives.

Under the coordination of Arrabona EGTC, project partners are implementing several complementary developments to enhance the visitor experience and local tourism capacity. For example, to foster cross-border hospitality, Thermalpark Dunajská Streda and Thermal Corvinus Veľký Meder (Slovakia) as well as the municipality of Vének (Hungary) will develop and upgrade accommodations and other tourist facilities. Improved cycling routes and services are planned by Győr Projekt Kft. (HU) and Vodnétury.sk (SK) to connect the “hills and fields” of the region for active tourists. In Tomášikovo (Tallós, SK) and at the Pannonhalma Archabbey (HU), new information services and visitor management tools will be introduced to better showcase cultural and natural heritage. Enhanced water tourism infrastructure for canoeing and kayaking will be developed by the Hungarian Kayak-Canoe Federation and Slovak Canoeing to let visitors discover the area “on the waves of rivers”. Moreover, Széchenyi University (HU) and Arrabona EGTC are leading a joint marketing and communication program to promote the region’s common values, creating a unified brand for a sustainable, green destination and providing training for local tourism stakeholders. T “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our sustainable region, where genuine experiences and local values await,” is the message of the #waves partnership.