The Biele vody ground squirrel site in the Muránska planina National Park is the most visited attraction in the region, drawing 200,000 visitors annually. The park relocated the protected and endangered ground squirrels from Košice Airport in 2000 to protect them from predators that were threatening airport operations. This relocation has turned into a local tourist magnet, leading to various business developments nearby, including a buffet, a parking area, and a family park named Obrovisko, alongside other establishments like a restaurant and a guesthouse.

Local entrepreneurs have capitalized on this surge in tourism, establishing amenities that benefit from the influx of visitors. However, the national park itself does not receive significant financial returns from this development as entrance to the ground squirrel site remains free. Parking fees are collected by a non-profit organization run by local businessman Matej Gabaj, whose initiatives have shaped the area. Funding for additional tourism infrastructure, like a tourist train, has been sourced from broader recovery plans assisting the local community.

The long-term lease of the land for 10 years to Gabaj without competitive bidding raises concerns about transparency and equity in public resource management. Critics might question whether such arrangements best serve the interests of the community and the park, especially if the profits do not contribute to the national park’s maintenance and conservation efforts.