Moderate price increases and challenges in the Hungarian spa sector

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 20. 10:03

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According to the latest announcement by the Hungarian Bath Association, domestic bath admissions will increase in price by an average of 5 percent in 2024, which is significantly lower than the larger price increases of previous years. Although this increase is moderate, the high deductible for health insurance-supported spa treatments continues to pose a serious obstacle for the population, so fewer and fewer people can afford spa treatments.

At a press conference held on the occasion of World Water Day, the Hungarian Bath Association presented the current situation and prospects of the domestic bath sector. The organization emphasized that baths continue to play a decisive role in domestic tourism and are also a significant attraction for foreign visitors.

Slow recovery, declining medical tourism

According to the latest data, the number of spa visitors in 2024 will show only a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year, and is still 10 percent below the record year of 33 million guests in 2019. Péter Zámbori, vice president of the association, highlighted that the number of visits for medical purposes in particular has decreased drastically. This is because the cost of co-payments for spa treatments ranges from 80,000 to 160,000 forints, which is out of reach for many.

Price competition in the region

While the price of entrance tickets will increase by an average of 5 percent in 2024, the average net price per person has increased by 75 percent since 2019 and is currently nearly 4,000 forints. Despite this, Hungarian spas still offer competitive prices in the region. In comparison, Slovak and Romanian spas charge an average of €15, while Austrian facilities charge up to €38.

Hungarian spas continue to play a significant role in foreign tourist decisions: 70-80 percent of visitors come to the country specifically for the spas. However, operators must balance affordability with sustainability. In Budapest, for example, the Zsigmondy Card helps locals avoid being excluded from historic spas.