In 2024 guest numbers increased 11% to 18 million, including 9.3 million domestic and 8.7 million foreign tourists.
Guest nights came to 44.2 million, with about half of guest nights spent by foreign tourists. Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport had around 17 million passengers, up more than 17% from a year earlier.
The capital attracted close to 6 million foreign visitors, 24% more than a year earlier, and accounts for 60% of the total number of guest nights spent by foreign tourists in Hungary.
Revenue of tourist accommodations rose 16% to HUF 1.05 tln. Catering revenue was up 11% at HUF 2.005 tln.
Outside of the capital, spa towns Siófok, Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz, Balatonfüred, and Zalakaros were the most popular destinations. Lake Balaton attracted more than 3 million guests, up 7% from a year earlier.
SZÉP voucher card top-ups came to HUF 454 bln and card holders spent HUF 432 bln, with spending on tourism up 9pc from a year earlier.
The tourism sector contributes close to 13% to GDP. It is expected to account for 80% of last year’s EUR 5 bln current account surplus, Guller said.
By 2030, the agency targets an annual 20 mln guests and 50m guest nights, while the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP reaches at least 16%.
At the sector’s current rate of growth, these targets could be achieved before 2030, Guller said.
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