Not only wine but also architectural heritage regains its rightful place in Tokaj

The dynamic development of the Tokaj wine region, renowned for its wine-making, has also borne fruit in architecture. Tokaj's tourist centre, the TATK Tokaj Aktív Turisztikai Központ, part of the five-star Minaro Hotel Tokaj MGallery, has received prestigious international recognition. Designed by BORD Architect Studio, it won the BIG SEE Tourism Design Award 2023 award.

The BIG SEE Award Award was created five years ago to recognise and promote excellence in architecture, interior design and the creative industries. The award contributes to the promotion of unique and original creative achievements in tourism, product and design at an international level. The awards have been presented in 21 countries in six different categories since 2018.

The jury was impressed by the way the natural topography was used to create a building in Tokaj that is in harmony with its surroundings and blends in with the landscape, according to the official BIG SEE website.

"This design draws attention to the life source at the centre of the building, which is at the same time accessible and visible to all. The natural U-shaped stone wall of the abandoned andesite quarry surrounds the spring. The building of the tourist centre follows and completes this curved shape. The single-storey building, which blends into the landscape, is freely accessible."

A minimalist yet elegant venue for events

The tourist centre is located at the foot of Minaro Hotel Tokaj MGallery. The minimalist-style event hall can accommodate up to 100 people and is perfectly equipped for workshops, team-building training and private events. It is also an ideal venue for weddings, as the roof of the building offers a beautiful natural backdrop for civil ceremonies.

"An important goal of our hotel is to contribute to the boosting of tourism in the Tokaj region with its unique concept and unique complementary services. We are delighted that our ambition has been recognised internationally, and we are confident that the TATK Tokaj Aktív Turisztikai Központ and the award it has won will help us to achieve this goal"- said Dana Janigova, Manager of Minaro Hotel MGallery.

The primary objective of the TATK is to ensure that guests visiting Tokaj and its surroundings spend more time in the region, and that the accompanying guests of wine tourism visitors can also enjoy special experiences and programmes, while the services and programmes offered are also in line with the gastronomic and wine tourism line.