The bank of tourism is born: Uránia Mortgage Loan is relaunched with a new name and role

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 27. 10:57

Hungary has officially taken a major step toward establishing its first dedicated financial institution for the tourism industry. Formerly known as Uránia Záloghitel, the company has rebranded as the Kisfaludy Tourism Credit Center Financial Services Plc (Kisfaludy Turisztikai Hitelközpont Pénzügyi Szolgáltató Zrt.). The rebranding comes with a new address as well: the company has moved from Síp Street in District VII of Budapest to Kapás Street in District II – the same location that hosts several state-owned companies under the portfolio of National Economy Minister Márton Nagy.

This move is far more than symbolic; it marks the operational start of the long-promised “tourism bank,” specifically designed to offer tailored financing solutions to tourism sector stakeholders through Hungary’s national Tourinform office network.

Nationwide Access, Central Coordination

The plan is for nearly one hundred Tourinform offices — operated under a franchise model in cooperation with the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ) — to serve as access points for tourism-related loan applications. This approach enables broad geographic access while maintaining centralized oversight and strategy.

The ownership structure also confirms the state’s direct involvement: the former Uránia Záloghitel was acquired by the KMF Central Hungarian Development Plc, which is indirectly owned by the Hungarian Tourism Agency. Minister Márton Nagy holds the ownership rights to the agency, giving him direct influence over the new credit center.

Tourism as a Strategic Industry

Minister Nagy has repeatedly stated that Hungary’s economic strategy going forward will focus on productivity, energy efficiency, and domestically owned industries with low labor intensity. The three priority sectors: food processing, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

Creating an independent financial platform for tourism fits squarely into this agenda. Tourism in Hungary is dominated by small- and medium-sized enterprises that have historically struggled to access sector-specific financing. The Kisfaludy Tourism Credit Center aims to fill that gap with custom-built loan programs suited to the seasonal, service-driven nature of tourism businesses.

Launch Expected This Fall

Minister Nagy has indicated that the system will be fully operational by autumn 2025. With its new name and mission, the Kisfaludy Tourism Credit Center is more than just a financial institution — it is poised to become a strategic support pillar for Hungary’s evolving tourism sector.

Its success will hinge on its ability to reach and effectively support the smaller operators that have been underserved by traditional financial institutions. But the institutional and legal framework is now in place, and tourism is one step closer to becoming a cornerstone of Hungary’s economic policy.