Infrastructure and attractiveness improvement of cross-border equestrian leisure sport in the Danube Bend area in Slovak-Hungarian cooperation

The project’s overall aim is to increase attractiveness, and subsequently the popularity and guest turnover of equestrian tourism in the area between Domony (HU) – Ipeľský Sokolec (SK) covering the wider cross-border territory of the Danube Bend. The applicant associations (currently dealing with equestrian sports&traditions) aspire to expand their core non-profit activities to equestrian leisure sports & tourism (riding lessons, equestrian tours, horse shows) in order to broaden their target audience, and increase the financial viability of their operations by their strengthened touristic role and increased demand for services.

To achieve this, a high-quality equestrian tourism infrastructure is planned at the two project sites, both to increase local tourism flow and to encourage cross-border equestrian tours:
-In Domony, an equestrian tour centre will be set up with a horse stable, additional tourist services & an equestrian tour information point. Target groups: HU&SK equestrian tour riders, school groups, and hotel guests.
-In Ipeľský Sokolec, an indoor riding hall&equestrian centre with additional services and an equestrian tour information point will be established. Target groups: participants of riding lessons and school riding camps, audience of horse shows, SK&HU equestrian tour riders.

Both service areas represent a niche investment in the area due to the complex & high-quality equestrian tourism supply. 21st century services help attract young people and thus educate a new generation of equestrians, creating long-term demand for the developments. 
Cross-border tours offer a way to connect the natural & cultural values scattered in the rural area. They also generate additional turnover for regional service providers, thus contributing to the area’s economic development and strengthening its population retention force. Green mobility reduces the ecological footprint of tourism; healthy active leisure opportunities improves the life quality of the locals