Executive summary
In line with effort to meet the needs of the community and consumers alike, the Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem aims to work synergistically with investor(s) with track record in tourism hospitality and leisure sector so as to achieve visitor growth and yields by creating  new experiences at Rimski Vrelec in the Koroška region (Carinthia) which in turn can stimulate demand.

Rimski Vrelec has been popular with visitors in pursuit of nature-based experiences. The opportunity to experience the best region’s produce, drink water extremely rich in iron from a mineral water spring (vrelec) located on the estate, go on touring routes or historic and cultural walks, and benefit from sports and recreational facilities year-round, are the location’s signature attractions.

Investors are invited to acquire Rimski Vrelec complete with the mineral water spring as a hospitality development with strong fundamentals, which currently is underperforming as a result of temporary market imbalances. The planning consent has been achieved for the commercial land parcel of 17,000 m2 expandable to 80,000 m2 designated for the construction of a hotel with associated facilities. The existing lodge is not a building listed as part of Slovenian heritage and can be demolished, altered or extended. 

Current status
The local authorities of the biggest town in the Koroška region (over 12,000 inhabitants on 63 km2) believe that there is a favorable environment for the acquisition of distressed real estate projects and in the long-term perspective of the development of Rimski Vrelec. The Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem lacks resources to fund and manage opportunities that call for hands-on involvement in every aspect of development and management of property such as Rimski Vrelec.

Investment opportunity
An international lead investment is sought for sustainable development of tourism by integrating luxury tourism into the existing tourism circuit. The Rimski Vrelec estate boasts almost 17,000 m2 available for construction and the existing buildings of some 1,170 m2 (accommodation and associated facilities plus the mineral water spring). Rimski Vrelec could be developed into a health and well-being destination with a water bottling plant by drilling a well.

The fact that the estate is situated at the foot of a mountain (1696m) within easy distance of a small Alpine lake at 633 meters of altitude and its summer and winter resort means it will be an attraction for visitors from Austria since it can be reached by scenic roads and by two motorways.

The broader area of the nearby village Kotlje offers an opportunity for the development of a health year-round resort with a conference centre well-positioned to cater for eco-adventure and culinary tourism experiences. The exploitation and bottling of the mineral water promises high economic benefits in near term.

Budget / Total Cost
The asking price for Rimski Vrelec and its mineral water spring is € 690,000.

The cost of redevelopment/development is estimated at € 400,000. The scope of further development to expand the facility will be up to the investor to decide.

Project finance / Support
The local authorities offer a long-term support of the local community.

Project Advantages
Rimski Vrelec has the potential to become a significant destination for domestic and international visitor markets both leisure and business.