Budapest became the tourist centre of Central-Europe

Turizmusonline.hu reports that, on the extraordinary meeting of MSZÉSZ (Hotel Association of Hungary), the governmental prospects of tourism and the strategic goals were introduced and the work of MSZÉSZ was evaluated by Gusztáv Bienerth, government commissioner for tourism and Ákos Niklai, president of the Association.

According to the site, Hungary’s tourism increased dynamically last year, while the guest nights were divided between domestic and foreign traffic in a 45-55% division. The internal traffic rose by 7% and the foreign grew by 4%. Furthermore, one of the most significant aims was to utilize the capacities more effectively, which were realized as the hotels’ capacity could grow by 3%. Regular statements made by the larger European cities show that Budapest had a favourable amount of room occupancy, the city got ranked as 14^th. There was also a growth in net prices, though, the Association said it can still be improved, especially because the capital city was ranked 26^th out of the 31 cities.

The main sending countries turned out to be Germany, Italy, France and Spain, but these market’s interest has actually somewhat decreased. Therefore, attention shall be paid to these traditional markets while targeting new markets as well, said Ákos Niklai. However, more visitors have arrived from the United Kingdom, probably because of the development of transportation, the Liszt Ferenc Airport and the expansion of destinations and flights of low cost airlines. Besides, the neighbouring European countries have sent more tourists to Hungary than before. For example, the number of tourists coming from the Czech Republic has increased 800 times.

Thus, Budapest and Hungary too have raised their values in the region and became the tourist centre of Central-Europe. Also, the governmental steps taken concerning tourism diplomacy and the launching of the direct flights resulted in an increase of the Chinese interest by more than 40%. It was noted too, that the prices of hotels of certified categories increased more than those of the non-certified ones. In the “quality hotels” major improvements were taken care of, conference centres were established and the countries tourist attractions were developed. The average star number is 3.6% which is also a significant improvement compared to the earlier years.

According to the forecast by the Association, the growth of the domestic demand shall be expected, which is also encouraged by the SZÉP (holiday and cafeteria) cards and the higher dispensable incomes of the Hungarians. Also, they hope the current migration statuses will not cause negative changes, especially because Hungary is said to be a safe destination. Aside lobbying, the service activity of the Association is significant, they gather information about hotel investments manually. They aim to make the new hotels well-known as well, thus, invite them to become their members and await applications for the Olympic tenders.

The qualification system of the hotels is based on the Hotelstars trademark system, of which Hungary has been a member ever since its foundation. The criteria are renewed annually, which is rather unique in Europe, as it is not a compulsory directive. In Hungary, there are 328 hotels of classification, and excellently, 60% of the Hungarian hotel capacities have been qualified. The trademark system aims to incite hotels towards quality, hence, this year the Association, with the support of the Ministry for National Economy, has launched two campaigns of 7 million HUF. To prepare for the Olympics the domestic tender grants the sufficient capacities. The Association helped the government to create a win-win situation for all participants and they compiled unitary contract plans, which will be signed on June 1.