This is a line of the Slovak Railways (ZSSK) in cooperation with the Austrian Railways, ÖBB, which runs from Bratislava to Split via Vienna.
The line will operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday to Split, and return to Bratislava every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
In addition to passengers, this line allows them to transport their cars and motorcycles from Vienna.
The inaugural train to Split brought ZSSK CEO Peter Helexa and other company representatives as well as the director of the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) office for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Miodrag Mlačić.
During this season, it is expected that more than 20,000 tourists will arrive in Split from Slovakia via this line.
"Split-Dalmatia County has been a favorite destination for guests from Slovakia for years, who visit us in large numbers. We are extremely happy that the Slovak Railways and ÖBB have recognized this interest in our region, and we are confident that this new connection will be crucial for further improving the results of our tourism in two extremely important markets, Slovakia and Austria," said Ivana Vladović, director of the County Tourist Board.
This line is also important as it will operate six months, giving us the opportunity to achieve even better results outside the summer season, she added.
Cooperation with partners from ZSSK and ÖBB and this new line will positively impact our local economy and tourism industry, she noted.
"The Slovak market is one of our most important (tourist) markets, from which (Croatia) registered a record 520,000 arrivals and 3.3 million nights in 2023. In the first four months of this year, there were 20,000 arrivals and 75,000 nights, which is 7% more compared to the same period last year," said Mlačić.
Last year, Slovaks generated 800,000 nights in Split-Dalmatia County, and ZSSK informs us that they expect even more passengers, as well as cars and motorcycles, to be transported, he added.
The Slovak market ranks ninth in terms of tourist nights in Croatia, with the highest number registered in Split-Dalmatia County, or 25%.
These are guests who, in addition to "sun and sea," are most interested in nature, gastronomy, and exploring the destination. According to Croatian National Bank data, Slovak tourists generated €211 million in revenue in Croatia last year.