Hungary – Central Europe’s leading tourist area for 2030?!

Within the framework of the Széchenyi 2020 program, the Hungarian government provides more than 260 billion HUF financial support for tourism development in the period of 2014-2020, out of which 33 billion HUF will be devoted to the region of Lake Balaton – expressed Tamás Schanda, State Secretary of the Innovation and Technology Department.

According to the State Secretary, Hungary has unique natural and cultural treasures, and these opportunities must be exploited. Tourism is a strategic sector; the aim is that by 2030, Hungarian tourism’s total GDP contribution reaches 16%, showing a 6% increase compared to the current 10%.

The government aims to transform Hungary into the leading tourist area of Central Europe by 2030.

Tamás Schanda explained that thanks to the government’s financial support, 26 projects can be realised around Lake Balaton. As a result, the cycle path around the ‘Hungarian Sea’ will be expanded; ports will be developed; hiking trails, recreation parks, lookout towers will get renovated; and additional improvements can be expected in the area of ​​the Balaton Uplands National Park as well.

As the Hungarian news portal penzcentrum.hu describes, the State Secretary also emphasised that the government is committed – besides supporting recreational sports – to convert Hungarians into a healthy ‘sports-nation’. Within the framework of the Széchenyi 2020 program, nearly 40 sports clubs and associations receive funding specifically for that purpose – to promote mass sports among the population.

Thanks to this initiative, about 400,000 people can get closer to regular physical activities and sports. The State Secretary highlighted the activity of the Hungarian Canoe Federation that was the main organiser of this year’s project  ‘Row across Lake Balaton’, thanks to which the implementation of several tourism development projects can get realised while promoting a healthy lifestyle in Hungary.

The association has been working for canoe’s sports success for nearly 80 years. Athletes have enriched our country’s high score table with 80 Olympic medals.

Source: penzcentrum.hu