Anticipating summer: Beach season preparations, price changes and trends for 2024

With Easter behind us, thoughts turn to the eagerly awaited summer season, although the impacts of climate change may not necessarily herald an early opening for beach enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it’s time to delve into what awaits regarding beach ticket prices once the season kicks off.

The meteorological forecast predicted temperatures ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius for the Easter long weekend. This pleasant weather outlook aligned with seasonal reopening plans, such as the unveiling of the Margaret pool at Palatinus, which underwent renovations last year.

While Palatinus’ updated pool is set to welcome visitors and tents are being packed away from various swimming pools and outdoor areas, indicating the seasonal shift, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding beach season timelines.

Additionally, news of an expected 5-13% increase in beach ticket prices, below last year’s inflation ratio, underscores the evolving dynamics in recreational offerings and economic adjustments.

Furthermore, preparations entail the removal of tents from the swimming pool area at Paskál Spa under Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd, signalling the transition to warmer weather and expanded recreational offerings, according to Világgazdaság.

Gellért thermal bath, Budapest. Photo: Facebook, Szt. Gellért Gyógyfürdő

When can we expect Hungarian beaches to open?

It’s anticipated that the Gellért Bath’s outdoor pool and the Pala adventure pool will be operational by the end of April, with other beach pools and beaches expected to follow suit from late May to mid-June. However, this is subject to change and dependent upon weather conditions.

Traditionally, the beach season kicks off on the 1st of May. However, contemporary trends suggest that beachgoers now await temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius, with 24-25 degrees Celsius no longer sufficing to maintain beach operations.

The commencement of the beach season hinges on weather patterns and projected visitor numbers rather than a fixed calendar date, ensuring revenue surpasses operational costs, especially given rising energy expenses.

Source: FB/ Palatinus Gyógy-, Strand – és Hullámfürdő Hivatalos

The beach life of 2023

According to a letter received by Világgazdaság from Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd:

Last summer proved challenging due to cool weather in May and a rainy June, which was unfavourable for beach life

Last year’s July began with fluctuating weather patterns, showcasing extremes such as a 32-degree Celsius day that drew around five thousand visitors to Palatinus, even on weekdays. However, in contrast to this, on unfavourable weather days, beach attendance plummeted to less than 300 individuals.

The heatwave of 2023 persisted until mid-July, extending through August with numerous heat-warning days, overlapping even with the start of the school year, significantly influencing beach attendance throughout that period.

The peak day of the season saw over 7,000 bathers purchasing tickets for the Palatinus under Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd. The company has a longstanding tradition of opening its pools and beaches based on weather conditions, typically from late April to mid-June, a schedule they plan to uphold this year as well.

Meanwhile, ongoing preparations for the beach season include renovating and cleaning pools, maintaining fun elements and slides as well as landscaping and beautifying gardens, as indicated by the bathing company.

Price change at the beaches

Starting from the 8th of January 2024, admission ticket prices for Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths have risen by approximately 5-13%, a modest increase compared to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office’s reported inflation rate of 17.6% in 2023.

Similarly, beach ticket prices are anticipated to undergo a similar adjustment, staying within the range of 5-13% below the inflation rate for the upcoming season.

Read also:

• Easter bring summer: Heat records broken on Saturday in Hungary – HERE
• The Hungarian tradition of sprinkling on Easter Monday – HERE

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