Bratislava shows impressive results in tourism. In the first five months of 2026, it welcomed over half a million visitors. The number of overnight stays during this period increased by 17.6% compared to last year and even surpassed the numbers from 2019, which was considered the most successful year for tourism. According to the Bratislava Tourist Board (BTB), the current trend shows that Slovakia's capital may reach its highest visitor numbers ever recorded.
Growth Thanks to Air Travel
Visitors stayed in the capital for an average of about two nights. In the first five months of this year, this resulted in 950,205 overnight stays. Almost 70% of these were by foreign tourists. Air travel from *Letisko M. R. Štefánika* (M. R. Štefánik Airport) in Bratislava contributed significantly to this growth.
The winter flight schedule for 2025/2026 included a record 49 regular flights to 42 destinations in 22 countries. The summer schedule for 2026 offers 77 regular flights to 63 destinations in 29 countries. From Bratislava, you can fly directly to many cities in Spain and Italy, as well as to Oslo (Norway), Warsaw (Poland), Tel Aviv (Israel), Berlin and Dortmund (Germany), and several Balkan destinations.
Nina Erneker, the Chairwoman of the BTB board, noted that the increase in visitors is directly linked to Bratislava's improved accessibility. Destinations with high potential for inbound tourism, such as Berlin, Rome, London, and Barcelona, are particularly important.
Italians and Norwegians Lead the Growth
Bratislava recorded the most significant growth among visitors from Italy. Their numbers increased by 104% compared to last year and by 73.3% compared to 2019. After the opening of a direct flight from Oslo, the number of Norwegian tourists also grew by 52.5% compared to last year and by 176.7% compared to 2019.
Dušan Novota, the CEO of Bratislava Airport, emphasized that the record visitor numbers in Bratislava confirm the key role of close cooperation between the airport, airlines, and tourism organizations in developing the industry. The expansion of air connections at Bratislava Airport directly impacts tourism growth and brings concrete results.
These trends show that Bratislava is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers, offering a unique mix of history, culture, and modern life.
