Tourism expansion may continue this year – sector outlook

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 28. 12:36

Tourism continued to grow by the end of the year: 5.8% more guest nights were registered in tourist accommodation, totaling 44.2 million in 2024. The growth – as was typical for the entire year – was primarily due to foreign travelers, but 2024 also brought an increase in the number of domestic guest nights. In 2025, we expect the growth trend in tourism to continue in line with international processes, which is also supported by the increase in real wages.

Determinant processes in tourism:

According to a preliminary report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global international tourism has returned to pre-coronavirus levels, after 1.4 billion tourists traveled worldwide last year. In 2024, 11% more people travelled than a year earlier, reaching 99% of the pre-pandemic 2019 figure. Growth is expected to continue in 2025, based on the assumption that global economic conditions continue to improve, inflation remains moderate, and geopolitical conflicts subside or do not increase. The Middle East’s rapid recovery is being driven by strategic initiatives, tourism-friendly policies and investments aimed at increasing the attractiveness of the region as a global travel destination.

International tourist arrivals compared to 2019 (%, UNWTO)

European tourism reached a peak in 2024: according to Eurostat’s first estimate, guests spent 2.99 billion guest nights, 53.4 million (2%) more than a year earlier. The record growth was driven by the increase in the number of nights spent by foreign guests (non-EU), as their number increased by 58.7 million, while the number of nights spent by domestic guests decreased slightly (by 5.3 million) compared to 2023. Looking at the proportions, the data still shows a slight superiority of domestic guests, with 52% of guest nights being spent by those choosing “domestic” accommodation and 48% by international guests.

Looking at the entire year 2024, the sector also shows a very positive performance in Hungary:
5.8% more guest nights were registered in tourist accommodation, a total of 44.2 million.
Domestic guests spent 2.0 and foreign guests spent 9.9% more guest nights in tourist accommodation (22.0 million and 22.2 million, respectively).
The gross revenue of tourist accommodation amounted to nearly HUF 1,050 billion, exceeding inflation by 13.6% compared to 2023.
Looking at monthly data, tourism in Hungary ended the year strongly: in December 2024, the number of guest nights in Hungarian accommodation establishments was 8.4% higher than a year earlier, and the number of guests was 11% higher than a year earlier. Nearly 1.3 million guests spent 2.9 million guest nights in tourist accommodation establishments in December 2024.