BBJ: What is unique about Mövenpick Balaland Resort Lake Balaton?
Peter Knoll: Being the first internationally branded hotel at Lake Balaton already makes it a unique location. Moreover, it is a combination of a themed hotel, where you can enjoy the story of Willy Fog (Phileas Fogg), who traveled around the world in 80 days. The story by Jules Verne is key to all the areas that you can enjoy, be it the hotel restaurants, the family park, your room, or the massive playground between the hotel and the shore of the lake. It is ideal for families that want to have an unforgettable experience. But with our culinary offerings as the heritage from Mövenpick, as well as our spa, with breath-taking views over to Tihany, the hotel is also a great spot for those young at heart travelers without families.
BBJ: Tell us a little more about Mövenpick Balaland. When did it open, what was the investment, what are your occupancy rates like?
PK: Last April we celebrated our first birthday, and it was really a full-year birthday, as we are open for the entire year. Heading into our second summer, we are improving our services and adding touches to make our guests feel even better. After our successful first year, our aim is to continue to strengthen our occupancy rates in the following years, and throughout the whole year.
BBJ: Beyond the resort itself, why should foreign tourists or expats living in Budapest come visit the “Hungarian Sea?”
PK: Living in Hungary on and off since 1995, I can truly say that the Hungarian Sea has developed into an area to be visited not only by Hungarians. The variety of products, quality of services, and sheer number of attractions have multiplied over time. Just looking at the most recent Michelin Guide where there are several recommended places to make a trip here worthwhile, even outside of the summer season.
BBJ: What are the percentage shares between foreign tourists and local guests?
PK: This varies very much on the time of year and the holiday seasons in the different markets. We can see a big increase in the number of guests coming from neighboring countries, Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as well as near neighbors Germany and Poland. Hungary has always been a great spot to visit for Israeli guests, and we have our fair share as well. But, in the year overall, Hungarians make up the majority of our guests.
BBJ: What are your targets and plans for the hotel moving forward?
PK: I have the idea to create a niche meeting product, just as the hotel itself is a niche product. We have a space in the hotel that is the perfect “Think Tank” and with the attractions in the hotel and surroundings, it is my dream to have “adventure meetings.” It is too early to go into details, but I have just put together the right team to work on this. So, watch this space, there is news to come.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 28, 2024.
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