NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS LURE MORE VISITORS THAN CASTLES

Surprisingly, the two nuclear power plants of Dukovany and Temelin have become successful tourism attractions that lure both foreigners and domestic visitors. The sites are interesting especially for families, companies, as well as schools. The information center of the much debated Czech nuclear power plant Temelin welcomed over 28,000 visitors last year. According to the spokesman of the power plant, Marek Svitak, this figure represents only 2.5% decrease compared to the record year of 2008. The number of visitors is similar to the popularity of many local sights. For instance, approximately the same amount of tourists visited the Kratochvile Castle in 2009. The other nuclear power plant, Dukovany, attracted almost 27,000 visitors last year, which was 3.5% less than in 2008, reported Czech Press Agency.“Most of the visitors were companies, families and various interest groups. They accounted for 7,510 people,” said Mr. Svitak. The Temelin power plant, which is one of Europe’s newest, is also very popular among elementary schools organizing trips to the site. According to the spokesman, 7,200 pupils visited the power plant in 2009.The latest statistics also show a growing interest in Temelin among international tourists. The power plant welcomed 1,600 foreigners from 35 countries, mainly from Austria, which borders the Czech Republic. The Temelin information center in Vysoky Hradek Castle not far from the power plant offers to the visitors various educational exhibitions, documentary movies and illustrative models. It has recently celebrated 15 years of operation but an extensive renovation is planned in the coming months. New state-of-the-art equipment will be installed including a 3D cinema. In the spring, the center will also start to rent electric bicycles. Related:HOLIDAY WORLD 2010: NUMBER OF VISITORS STEADY CASTLES & CHATEAUX POPULAR EVEN IN CRISIS