Slovakia should gradually diversify its European exports that are currently focused on the production of vehicles and electrical equipment. The West of the country is much more integrated into the international circuits than the East, which is less developed and has poorer infrastructures.

Slovakia recorded 3.8 million arrivals in 2015, including 1.5 from international visitors. International clientele is almost exclusively from Europe, and Russian visitors are not very present, as opposed to most other CEECs. International arrivals have declined from pre-crisis levels, due to a decline in demand from major source markets (Czech Republic, Germany, Poland).

Major tourist activities are generally related to leisure and to winter sports and hiking in particular, as Slovakia hosts the highest part of the Carpathian mountain range. The Tatra Mountains are one of the most popular destinations in the country. The city of Kosice also gained visibility in 2013 as it was the European Capital of Culture. Many thermal resorts and natural spas also make its mountain tourism diverse. Outside this region, the capital city Bratislava is a favourite destination for visitors.