Hungarians adopt more careful approach to holiday planning

While a survey by the Hungarian Tourism Agency survey shows that about 7 out of 10 Hungarians are planning to have a holiday within the borders of the country, traditional seaside destinations and neighboring countries within easy driving distance are regaining their popularity

In 2019, the Central Statistical Office reported that Croatia was the most visited foreign destination for Hungarian tourists, but almost all southern countries were popular, including Italy and Greece. Last year, coronavirus-related restrictions led to a significant drop in interest in distant destinations, seaside regions, and longer one- to two-week holidays, but increased demand for less crowded mountain resorts.

According to a recent forecast by the Hungarian Tourism Agency, 37% of Hungarians plan to travel abroad this summer, with most planning to visit nearby Austria and Croatia. In terms of dates, the traditional high season (July-August) seems to be the most popular, but many people seem to be waiting for the rules and practices for international travel to become even more clear-cut, with more bookings also for the late summer/early fall period. Due to the risk of coronavirus infection and administrative burden, Hungarians now prefer traveling by car to flying.

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has also significantly changed the criteria for choosing accommodation: Hungarians consider it of paramount importance that the hotel or apartment they choose provides the opportunity for safe social distancing (66%, up from 34% in 2019). In addition to good hygiene conditions, Hungarians continue to value comfort and expect to be pampered with special experiences and activities. Experience also shows that Hungarian travelers have become much more aware and prepared, with many uncertainties and open questions leading to a preference for thorough pre-departure research and an increased preference for travel insurance that is flexible in all aspects and offers a wide range of services.

"The market is increasingly looking to provide travelers with a wide range of insurance products that are useful but at the same time can be tailored to the individual customer's needs. Genertel's travel insurance packages are customizable, providing cover for specific claims typical of beach holidays or excursions, sightseeing trips (even ski trips), according to the needs and choices of our customers, and motor assistance is also available. Anyone can choose the package that best suits their destination, and the services are available for as little as 310 HUF per day," says Mariann Árr, marketing and online sales director at Genertel.

"The other important change is that people have become used to being able to do everything almost instantly in the digital space over the last year. That's why our insurance policies can be taken out online and the policy arrives immediately after payment by credit card - so we can finish the transaction the day before the trip, at home, while packing two suitcases," she adds.