Márton Nagy: tourism in Hungary is divisive

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 12. 11. 10:00

Hungarian tourism is booming, Ferihegy is the fastest growing airport in Europe – said Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy at the Michelin Guide awards ceremony in Budapest on Tuesday evening, where he also thanked Hungarian gastronomy for its performance.

This year is a record year in Hungary: by October, 15.5 million guests spent 38.5 million nights in domestic accommodations, which is 5.3 percent more than last year’s figure, and 10 percent more guests ensured the livelihood of those working in the hospitality industry. So there is a boom in Hungarian tourism – he concluded.

The passenger traffic of Liszt Ferenc Airport will approach 18 million in 2024, which is the fastest growth in the sector in Europe – said Márton Nagy, emphasizing that the state has therefore made a good deal by buying back the airport.

He added that the airport’s passenger traffic is planned to increase to 20 million per year by 2030, and next year the foundation stone of Terminal 3 will be laid, which will welcome the increasing number of travelers in quality conditions.

He also said that the SZÉP card system, which is one of the most important sources of domestic tourism and provides stable income to the sector, will continue to be maintained.

He highlighted that tourism now accounts for nearly 12 percent of Hungary’s GDP and 10 percent of the central budget. The government is also trying to help the sector, and on Monday a decree was published on making tips tax-free and maximizing the service fee

– he indicated.