Slovak spa town Rajecké Teplice prepares master plan amid stark contrast between luxury center and neglected areas

Rajecké Teplice, Slovakia's fourth smallest city by population, attracts more tourists than some regional capitals despite stark disparities within its borders. The town center features the gleaming Aphrodite spa complex, which promotes European luxury standards and has announced a 70-million-euro investment project. However, just meters away from the polished tourist facilities, other parts of the municipality remain in a state of decay and neglect. The contrasts have prompted city officials to develop a comprehensive master plan to address the uneven development across the spa town, which has become a significant tourist destination despite its small size.