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Tourism in Hungary at huge risk: proposed changes threaten Danube’s future
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The National Association of Hungarian Shipping and the Association of Passenger Boaters are opposing the suggested amendments to the Danube Coast Building Code. They request the Municipality of Budapest to engage in genuine consultations with stakeholders.
According to 444, lessening ports as proposed may inflict damage on tourism, Hungary’s national economy and nearly 10,000 jobs tied to passenger shipping in Hungary. Moreover, they claim that the intended re-development of harbours might endanger traffic safety, escalate noise and air contamination, and highlight differences in port numbers reported.
More than 30 companies are running floating facilities in Budapest such as tourist season cruises, sightseeing cruises, and cruises with year-round programs. Such activities bring about a big flow of traffic on the Danube in the capital city. In Budapest alone, 24 companies operate over 40 vessels. Last year, over 80% of the total number of tourists who visited Budapest, which was around 5 million people, equivalent to around 4 million passengers participated in sightseeing cruises.
The Municipality of Budapest proposed amendments to the Danube Riverfront Building Code (DÉSZ) in February, giving stakeholders a mere two weeks to review this extensive, over 1,000-page document. The draft proposes removing boats from the city centre completely and decreasing the 24 berths on the New Port waterfront to just 9, which would be intended only for loading and unloading activities.
Approximately 45 passenger vessels that are presently docked there would be allowed to halt solely at these ports before embarking, for passenger pick-up and drop-off purposes. Ships that are empty of people will be sent towards ports outside the centre, where there may not be enough infrastructure. This could include things like electricity, drinking water, parking facilities and transportation access which could potentially impact hotel ships as well.
The Municipality of Budapest wants to send vehicles not allowed in the city towards suburban marinas and a port located in District XIII, where passenger vessels are already present. However, this idea makes people worry about more noise and air pollution for those living there because vehicles will depend only on their generators.
Democracy is Dialogue.
What AGAIN an OPPORTUNITY presents it-self in Hungary, to engage, practice, participate in, a CORE ingredient of DEMOCRACY and that is DIALOGUE.
WHY not, if you “Lock Horns” as it appears this IMPORTANT subject – remembering that pre the Covid Pandemic – prior February 2020, that 9% of our GDP was earned through TOURISM, this MOUNTING into a NASTY – Power Game – argument, expand DEMOCRACY – and GO to the Citizens for OUR opinion(s).