New discounts, developments and a record year in Budapest’s spas

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 25. 10:23

Budapest’s beaches will officially open on May 1, but the weather could easily change the plans, Ildikó Szűts, CEO of Budapest Thermal Baths and Thermal Baths Zrt., told Pénzcentrum in an interview. The effects of the pandemic are still being felt today: the number of guests is deliberately lower than before, the goal is to improve the quality and experience, not to increase the crowds.

A new discount system will come into effect from July 1: Budapest residents and students can visit the baths with a 50% discount in the morning and evening. In addition, an appointment booking system is being tested at the Rudas Bath to reduce crowding.

The swimming pool is being renovated at the Széchenyi Bath and will be completed by the end of June. The sauna section of the Rudas Bath has already been handed over, and the restrooms and showers at the Lukács Bath are being renovated. The Gellért Baths will also close from October, with the full renovation expected to be completed by 2028.

The company is launching communication campaigns among young people about the stress-relieving and health-preserving effects of the thermal water, so that Budapest’s baths become better known not only as tourist attractions but also as places for health preservation.

In 2024, all previous revenue records were broken: the company achieved revenue of 26 billion forints and profit of 6.2 billion forints. The average price increase was 5%, and the standard of spa services was adjusted to market expectations based on international examples.

The labor shortage remains a challenge: the number of employees has been stabilized by raising basic wages, but the supply of technical specialists and swimming instructors is facing difficulties. Cleaning tasks will continue to be handled by internal employees in order to maintain quality.