Catering industry professional organizations welcome the 5+1 government package of measures

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 21. 10:35

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The Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (MSZÉSZ), the National Association of Tourism and Catering Employers (VIMOSZ), and the Hungarian Hospitality Industry Association (MVI) welcomed the government’s 5+1 package of measures announced by Márton Nagy, Minister for the National Economy, as part of the government’s economic stimulus action plan – the organisations told MTI on Wednesday.

Zoltán Somlyai, President of MSZÉSZ, stressed that the hospitality and hotel industries have borne extraordinary burdens in recent years, therefore any measure that eases administrative, tax and financing pressures constitutes meaningful support for businesses.

The 5+1 package points in a direction that could contribute to stabilising the sector

he said.

According to the President, it is especially important that, through this support, decision-makers help strengthen tourism’s contribution to GDP, recognising the economic significance of hospitality, as the sector is not only a major employer but also a key pillar of domestic and international tourism.

Zoltán Somlyai added that the industry continues to need a predictable economic environment and regulation that is sustainable in the long term, and he expressed hope that the 5+1 package could also serve as a foundation for further measures supporting the entire sector.

VIMOSZ told MTI that they were pleased to welcome the Ministry for the National Economy’s (NGM) action plan consisting of 5+1 measures, presented on 21 January, which aims to provide support for hospitality businesses in several areas, acknowledging their difficult operating conditions.

“We are particularly proud to see that a significant part of our lobbying proposal – submitted earlier in several versions – is reflected here as well, similarly to the adopted Tourism Strategy 2030.”

they wrote.

President Zoltán Pál Gál recalled that the association had previously called for a reduction of the tax on business representation expenses, which is now being implemented. In their view, this measure will help bring representation-related orders into the formal economy and, through higher turnover, also increase budget tax revenues, he added.

He also highlighted as a positive development that, for restaurants, the tourism development contribution will decrease from 4% to 2% from 1 February. These measures, he said, may help halt the recent acceleration in business closures.

The measure extending the tax rules for the service charge up to 20% of revenue could provide tangible help in managing labour costs, whitening wage payments and reducing employer burdens alike.

As their recent professional study pointed out, all this – together with tax exemptions for female employees – could significantly contribute to retaining staff and expanding employment, Zoltán Pál Gál said.

The interest group also places special emphasis each year on providing comprehensive information to SMEs in the sector; this year it may launch under the title “Vendéglátó Kisokos” (Hospitality Pocket Guide). They offered their assistance in its preparation.

He drew attention to several issues still awaiting solutions that could help smaller hospitality venues operate: simplifying and harmonising VAT rates in hospitality, as well as further expanding data access and administration-reduction measures that support sector operations.

“VIMOSZ is open to taking part as a professional partner in fine-tuning the measures in the coming period, as well as in joint thinking based on data and macroeconomic impacts, which could create a more predictable operating environment for tourism and hospitality players in the long term” they wrote.

MVI also emphasised that the 5+1 package contains meaningful tax reductions for restaurant service providers in several points. This is also in line with proposals made by MVI to improve the sector’s situation.

MVI considers it particularly positive that representation expenses are tax-free up to a certain level, which, based on experience, can be one of the strongest tools to stimulate turnover. More favourable taxation of corporate spending could bring significant demand growth, primarily for rural restaurants and the events market, they underlined.

In the organisation’s view, reducing the tourism development contribution from 4% to 2% is also a major relief, as it directly lowers business burdens and improves operating conditions.

The association also welcomed the measure under which, up to 20% of revenue, wages paid in a manner similar to a service charge will not be subject to personal income tax or social contribution tax, only the 18.5% social security contribution. This measure simultaneously supports wage payments, reduces employer burdens and contributes to further whitening of the sector.

They noted that the Hospitality Pocket Guide, expected to be published in the near future, will likely serve as a practical guide to help businesses operate in compliance with regulations, provide support for company formation, and summarise what requirements must be met during official inspections.

The Hungarian Hospitality Industry Association expressed confidence that the measures in the action plan will provide meaningful support for a revival of hospitality and for preserving jobs in Hungary, they said.