World spa in Hajdúszoboszló30 April 2008
An unprecedented health resort development will be implemented in the near future in Hajdúszoboszló, which is the centre of tourism of the North Great Plain region and the town in Hungary hosting the 2nd highest number of tourists, the total costs of which amount to 4.5 billion HUF, out of which 2.25 billion HUF will be covered by EU funding of 2.25 billion HUF in value.
Europe’s largest spa complex will evolve into a real „world spa” once the Aqua Palace investment is completed. In compliance with the basic principles underpinning tourism promotion, the projects aims to exploit the thermal reserves, develop health resorts and spa baths, extend health services that build on these and create jobs. The touristic and economic lure of the region will consequently increase and enterprises will strengthen as well.
Europe’s largest spa complex is located in Hajdúszoboszló, which however, does not take full advantage of its natural resources. Hungarospa Haszduszoboszlói Zrt., which enterprise is almost exclusively owned by the local government of the town, submitted an application to the National development Agency for the development of the spa complex. The government decided to include the project with a total budget of 4.5 billion HUF, among priority projects in July 2007 and approved EU funding of 2.25 billion HUF in value for the development. The town will evolve into an internationally recognised health resort and spa centre, or as geologist Dr Ferenc Pávai-Vajna put it, a „world spa” by implementing the „Hajdúszoboszló health resort development - Aqua-Palace Spa Bath” project.
Once the development is completed, the spa complex will be able to provide a huge variety of high standard services all year round for holiday-makers or people wishing to use the remedial services offered by satisfying the demands of all age-groups. The spa bath to be implemented within the framework of the project will be capable of simultaneously hosting 1000 visitors on an area of 15 000 m2 and 1600 m2 water surface. Beyond the spa baths, children’s and family spa pools, saunas, spa baths, a sunbathing terrace, as well as fitness, wellness and catering services will be offered to visitors in the future. According to plans, the investment will be completed by the end of 2009.
Tourism offers in Hajduszoboszló will increase, a higher number of tourists will come to visit the town and the competitiveness of the region will improve as a result of the project. As a direct impact, 30 new jobs will be created at the spa complex; however, the positive spiralling effects on other services and sectors may even be a great deal more significant. The investment contributes to ensuring that Hajduszoboszló remains the tourism centre of the region and retains its second place after Budapest – as regards the number of tourists - on the Hungarian tourism market.