Here is why tourists from the US and Asia love Hungary

Inbound tourism from the US, South Korea and China grew significantly in the first seven months of 2023 compared to 2022. To attract tourists more efficiently, the Hungarian Tourism Agency regularly examines what tourists from these particular countries are looking for and how they travel.

Increased number of tourists

Turizmus.com writes that tourism was deeply affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, people have gained back the possibility to visit overseas countries. According to the data of the National Tourism Data Centre, visitor arrivals from the US increased by 35%, from South Korea by 290%, and from China by 271% by the end of July of 2023 compared to 2022. The research of the Hungarian Tourism Agency reveals that people from distant countries are more interested in sightseeing and culture than average.

Tourists from the US show a particular interest in Hungary’s gastronomic specialities and thermal spas. These unique traits of the country are what differentiates Hungary from its competitors in terms of tourism. Many people from South Korea come for business or even to work or study. Meanwhile, millions of people from China can be moved by a TV show. A good example is the Chinese reality show “Chinese Restaurant”, on which we reported HERE earlier.

Travel habits

People aged 45 and over account for almost half of the visitors from the US. Despite that, the proportion of younger couples, families and incentive travellers is also growing. From South Korea, the 25-44 age group accounts for 52% of visitors, while the same age group makes up 63% of visitors from China. While the proportion of men and women is balanced among the US and Chinese visitors, more than 60% of South Korean tourists are male. What visitors from these three countries have in common is that they usually stay in hotels (65-70% of visitors). These tourists opt for four-star hotels or even more luxurious accommodations. Tourists from South Korea and the United States are among the highest spenders. Americans spend one and a half times more than average. Meanwhile, South Korean travellers spend almost 10% more than average.

The most popular destinations

Most tourists come to Hungary to explore Budapest. 87% of American visitors, 68% of South Korean travellers and 79% of Chinese tourists came to the Hungarian capital. However, the number of travellers who are seeking to discover the countryside and other towns in Hungary, is also growing. In May and July, the most popular destinations for American tourists were Vörösmarty Square and the Fisherman’s Bastion in the capital. Also, many have visited the Basilica in Esztergom, Tokaj and Siófok in the countryside. The most frequented places for South Koreans were the Parliament, the Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Beaches of Velence and Siófok were also among the top choices of South Korean tourists. Chinese travellers also preferred the Parliament and the Fisherman’s Bastion, as well as Margaret Island. In the countryside, Széchenyi Square in Pécs and Szentendre were the most attractive destinations.