More and more people are choosing Lake Balaton instead of Croatia this year – but caterers can’t sit back

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 03. 10:44

Although the 2025 summer season at Lake Balaton promises strong traffic, most caterers are hoping not for growth but for survival. The return of Hungarian guests to the most popular destination of domestic tourism this year may bring relief, as many are choosing the Hungarian sea instead of the increasingly expensive Croatian coast.

Croatia disappoints – Lake Balaton is attractive again

According to László Kovács, president of the Hungarian Catering Industry Association, service providers at Lake Balaton are seeing an increasing number of guests who preferred the Adriatic in recent years but have now changed their minds. Inflation in Croatia, especially in the food and services sector, has made many tourists uncertain. According to data from the Croatian daily Vecernji List, the number of foreign guests has dropped significantly: German tourists fell by 30 percent, French tourists by 19 percent, and Austrians by 6 percent by the end of May.

“It’s no secret that cheap Croatian holidays are a thing of the past”

– Croatian newspapers also write, adding that apartments under 80 euros are hard to find, and for 50 euros it is practically impossible.

Prices on Lake Balaton are also dancing on the border

Hospitality is not in an easy situation on Lake Balaton either: the inflationary pressure of 2022-2023 has significantly increased prices. While consumers experienced a 20-30 percent increase in prices the year before last, this decreased to 8-10 percent last year – but this did not always go smoothly either.

“In places with high traffic, where a 10-15 percent price increase was introduced, the public punished them cruelly. The guest always votes with his feet,” said László Kovács. According to his experience, a maximum price increase of 10 percent is possible this year, beyond which customers will turn away from the places.

The aim of the restaurateurs is therefore primarily to survive the season. “Success would mean that everyone survives this summer,” said the president of the MVI.