What is The Next Step After Water Level Regulation? – Economic Development Opportunities in the Szigetköz

Abstract

The water regulation of the Danube in the border area of Szigetköz in Hungary and Csallóköz in Slovakia opened new economic opportunities for the region. Recent research aims to identify the economic opportunities that may arise as a result of the planned interventions or that have been latent in the socio-economic life of the region so far. The research method is based firstly on the detailed analysis of strategic documents containing findings on the economic aspects of Szigetköz–Csallóköz, and secondly on in-depth interviews with the decision-makers and institutional leaders of the municipalities concerned (N = 22). As a result of the research proposals besides infrastructural improvements, economic improvements such as the creation of a unified tourism brand similar to the Slovakian “Kukkonia our golden garden” brand, could result in a rise in quality and development of the tourism destination.