Drastic price rise in these Budapest baths because of the foreign tourists
Budapest is one of the bath and spa capitals of the world, but it seems it will become more expensive to visit these institutions this summer.
Thermal bath prices increase in Budapest
That is because the municipal council of Budapest accepted the business plan of the Budapest Spas cPlc., the municipal company responsible for operating and running the historic baths and spas of the Hungarian capital. That business plan contains a drastic rise in entrance fees, Metropol wrote.
Rumour had it already at the end of 2022 that the municipal council was preparing for such a move. However, the decision was made only on 22 February, during the regular session of the Budapest City Council.
According to the company, they aim to ensure the operation of the baths and spas despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and the energy crisis hitting Europe. They aim to make the firm profitable in 2023. Therefore, they would increase ticket prices significantly.
One of the cornerstones of the business plan is the Széchenyi and the Rudas baths, both having a lot of foreign visitors. As a result, the price hike will be higher there than in other places. Budapest Spas would like to redirect guests from the Gellért Bath since the latter will be closed for reconstruction.
Will Smith in the Széchenyi bath:
Tourists will pay more
The ticket prices of Rudas and Széchenyi, Budapest’s illustrious and historic baths, will increase by 30 percent. That is because the company believes that is the sum the tourists would continue to pay. However, in those two cases, they will not only increase the entrance fees, but also all service prices. The new prices will not exceed EUR 27, remaining below the average of international competitors. Metropol believes that Hungarian guests will not be able to pay the heightened fees.
The company said in its business plan that in other baths, where the majority of the guests are Hungarians, fees will be increased by only 10-15 percent. That circle of institutions includes the famous Lukács Bath. Meanwhile, Budapest Spas cPlc., regards it crucial to retain all discounts for pensioners, families, children and Zsigmondy club card owners.
HERE is the current price list for the Széchenyi Bath, and HERE you may find the prices of the Rudas Thermal Bath.
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Source: Metropol