Nine distinguished individuals received the highest state award in tourism

As a reward for exemplary professional performance, the awards were also presented in the categories of the Sándor Kőrösi Csoma Grand Prize, Talentum Prize and Lifetime Achievement Award.

In his welcoming speech, Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy said:

“With its performance growing month by month, the sector has also contributed greatly to the success of the Hungarian economy, and this year it is one of its most important driving forces. The successes of tourism are largely due to the achievements of quality human resources, the “national champions” of the profession, which are worthy of honor and celebration.”

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Fekete Magdolna. The tourism professional earned the award for her nearly two decades of dedicated work in the field of international market sales, business and tourism diplomacy partnerships, working with the Hungarian Tourism Agency and Visit Hungary. Her role in mentoring young people is also exemplary.

Among the Grand Prize winners, Balázs Erdélyi, the professional president of the Hungarian Confectionery Industry Association, shared the award with co-president László Selmeczi. The professional works tirelessly to strengthen the reputation of Hungarian confectionery and to promote the use of quality ingredients. She also does a lot for the future of quality Hungarian confectionery by running competitions and talent development programs. László Selmeczi, co-chairman of the Hungarian Confectionery Association, was awarded for his work in the renewal of Hungarian confectionery, his work as an educational and educational organizer, and his dedicated work in popularizing artisanal confectionery.

Gabriella Bohus of Badacsonyiné received the award for her decades of outstanding work as a tourist guide. As a true local patriot, she works with all her heart and soul on the development of tourism in Eger and Heves counties. Dr Tamara Rátz, head of the Department of Tourism at Kodolányi János University, received the award for her decades of outstanding teaching, educational organization, and pioneering research work, especially in the field of sustainability. She is the author of several outstanding professional books. In the work of Gergely Fernezelyi, a Pro Architectura and Ybl-award winning architect, from the Barabás Villa event hall to the InterCity Hotel in Budapest, the preservation of cultural heritage, which is also vital for tourism, and the creation of a sustainable, innovative and livable urban environment play an outstanding role. Marianna Furkóné Szabó, the managing director of Nyíregyháza Tourism Nonprofit Kft., was awarded the award for her dedicated city marketing activities. Her role is outstanding in ensuring that Nyíregyháza’s tourism offer becomes widely known and the city’s guest traffic increases spectacularly. Borbála Kisgyörgy was awarded the grand prize for her commendable performance as president of the Hungarian Camping Association, especially for her work in improving the situation of campsites and promoting the recognition and popularization of camping.

The Talentum Award, which is given to tourism excellence under the age of 30, will be presented in 2024 to Viola Horváth, the protégé. The mentor program’s creator and leader was considered worthy by the awards committee. His program greatly encourages young people to seek their vocation in tourism and also helps them build long-term careers in the sector.