Portrait of the South Transdanubian Region from the aspect of the WaterTour project Gusztáv Csomor Project Manager South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency WaterTour – I. International meeting Greifswald, 03 November 2004.

The South Transdanubian Region km inhabitants 70 inhabitant/km 2 counties: Baranya, Somogy, Tolna Main cities: Pécs, Kaposvár, Szekszárd 654 settlements – (50% with less than 500 inhabitants)

Geography of South Transdanubia Varied configuration of territory – mountains, hills, plains, bordered by lakes and rivers Continental climate with mild winters – mm precipitation, sub- Mediterranean influence Diverse nature according to geographical features – forests cover 23% of territory, habitat of many protected plant and animal species, 3% of territory protected by National Parks

Economy of South Transdanubia EUR GDP / head (43% of EU 25) Low value added of production Poor value of FDI Industry 32% of GDP - Few large industrial companies, under-developed manufacturing Agriculture 8% of GDP – good potentials, 61% of territory cultivated, crops and viticulture Services 60% of GDP – growing importance, tourism 3% of GDP Disadvantageous accessibility (transport infrastructure) High ratio of depressed sub-regions

Tourism of South Transdanubia Good potentials with diverse natural and cultural attractions Tourist activities extremely concentrated on few areas: –Resorts of Lake Balaton –City of Pécs with UNESCO World Heritage area –Harkány spa and neighbourhood High seasonality Few high-quality accommodation facilities Potentials in tourism product development: –Wellness, thermal –Cultural –Wine and rural –Hunting –Eco-tourism with cycling, horse riding, angling –Water tourism

Water tourism of South Transdanubia WaterTour project part focuses on River Dráva Territorial focus is needed for the project River Dráva has specific characteristics and potentials Area needs assistance on regional development Gained results and experiences can be transferred to the other areas Water tourism areas: Lake Balaton – mass tourism Danube, Sió and Dráva Rivers – less developed

Features of River Dráva Border river (with Croatia – 160 km) Socio-economically depressed, peripheral area Virtually uncontrolled runway, unspoilt nature Part of the Danube-Dráva National Park Activities on river determined by National Park and border guard authorities –Restrictions on visiting: –Periodical – from 1st June till 31st October –Territorial – designated landing/resting sites –Number of visitors 1200 – 2000 / year (paddling) Type of water tourism: –Paddling –Small motor-boat

Strengths and weaknesses of Dráva River water tourism STRENGTHS Specific characteristics and potentials for tourism development Relatively unspoiled nature Rich wildlife Rich local culture Potentials for linking tourism elements: –Sites for eco-tourism –Local culture, traditions –Angling –Cycling, horse riding, –Hunting –Wine routes –Wellness tourism WEAKNESSES Restrictions on activities along the river Difficulties of co-operation with Croatian side Difficulties of accessibility Few, low quality services at landing-stages Few existing complex tourism packages Few quality accommodations Low level of co-operation among stakeholders Scattered, poor quality marketing tools No integrated tourism management

Objectives of Hungarian part of WaterTour project Balance of developing attractive, quality based water tourism and preserving the natural treasures of the River Dráva Establish and maintain co-operation among regional stakeholders on –Tourism product development –Quality service development –Co-ordination of marketing activities Gaining international experience and know-how on water tourism development and management Establish co-operations among tourism organisations of international partners

Initial activities within WaterTour project Developing time and activity plan for 2004 Contacting regional partners Press release on project Project opening - I. Regional meeting Definition of group of stakeholders to be involved in project development Collecting –Existing analysing documents on Dráva tourism –Existing marketing tools, materials Contracting auditor report on preparation phase

Contacts on Hungarian project partner South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency Gusztáv Csomor Project Manager H-7621 Pécs, Tímár u. 23.  Phone:  Fax:   web: