NGM: domestic tourism did not slow down in February either

It was emphasized that tourism is one of the most important driving forces of the Hungarian economy, accounting for more than 14 percent of GDP and providing a livelihood for nearly 400 thousand families. The government aims to further increase the competitiveness of the tourism sector and the international attractiveness of our country, which is why it is strengthening the sector with 2.5 percent, favorable interest rate loans through the Kisfaludy Tourism Credit Center. In addition, the government has launched the KTH Start 2=3 campaign, where additional non-refundable state support of up to 1 million forints can be applied for for Start Investment or Working Capital loans between 1-2 million forints for the smallest tourism service providers, including tax-registered individuals and sole proprietors, the NGM reminded.

As part of the 5+1-point, more than 100 billion forint hospitality industry action plan, the government is making the new, combined financing option available not only to restaurants, but also to pastry shops. From April 8, 2026, within the framework of the “5+5” financial construction, pastry shop operators can also apply for an additional 5 million forint non-refundable grant in addition to their 5 million forint KTH Start loan.

Liszt Ferenc International Airport is one of the most important cornerstones of domestic tourism, which is why the government is implementing a development worth 1 billion euros within the framework of the TERMINAL+ project. The government’s goal is for the airport to be able to serve 25 million passengers a year at a high level by the end of the decade, which will further strengthen Hungary’s international reach, the Ministry of Tourism pointed out.

The ministry referred to data from the Central Statistical Office and the National Tourism Data Service Center, based on which nearly 1.1 million guests arrived at tourist accommodations in February 2026, which exceeded the result of the same period in 2025 by 4.6 percent.

The number of domestic guests was 509 thousand, 4.9 percent more than in the second month of 2025, 559 thousand guests arrived from abroad, their number exceeded the result by 5.5 percent based on seasonally adjusted data. February 2025.

It was also noted that a total of 2.4 million guest nights were registered by domestic accommodation establishments nationwide, which was 5.2 percent more than in February 2025. Domestic guests spent nearly 1.1 million nights in accommodation establishments, which was 6.6 percent higher than in February 2025. The nearly 1.4 million guest nights spent by foreign guests exceeded the result of the second month of the previous year by 5.1 percent, based on seasonally adjusted data.

46.5 percent of accommodation turnover was registered in Budapest. The more than 1.1 million guest nights in the capital increased by 6.8 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Lake Balaton proved to be the most popular in February, where the number of guest nights increased by 7.8 percent.

Accommodation revenue nationwide reached 61.8 billion forints, surpassing last February by 3.3 percent. Catering establishments generated revenue of 154.1 billion forints in the second month of the year, 10.7 percent higher than last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.