Lendava - The spa in Lendava, known for its paraffin thermal water, has been closed for more than a year. Its director, Daniel Kovacs, says the spa will reopen this year after the buildings have been renovated and new services introduced.

The spa in the city close to the Hungarian border was acquired at the end of 2019 by Comitatus Energia, a Hungarian fund, for EUR 9 million.

Renovation has been going on for over a year, and the first phase is now nearing completion. Kovacs told the STA there had been problems with a previous contractor and delays due to the pandemic.

It is not yet clear when exactly the spa will reopen and Kovacs did not wish to discuss the details beyond saying that the situation would be clearer in April.

Almost all workers are on furlough and receive 100% pay. "There will be no layoffs. We will hire an additional 15 workers to add to the tried-and-tested team of 64 from the local environment," Kovacs said.

His statement comes after several media reported the local community was concerned about the spa being closed for so long. Some wondered whether it will ever reopen. Trade unions have expressed concern about the fate of the workers.

Lendava Mayor Janez Magyar said he had met with Kovacs to discuss plans, which he said were good. What the municipality wants in particular is for the the spa to collaborate with local stakeholders.

"But the most important thing for us are jobs for our residents," he said.