competition

Miracle in Vienna: Hungary’s women’s handball team won bronze! – PHOTOS, VIDEO

Hungary won 25-24 against world champion and Olympic silver winner France in today’s match for the bronze at the 2024 EURO Women’s Handball Championship. The last time a Hungarian women’s handball team could secure a medal was 12 years ago.

Hungary’s women’s handball bronze

According to index.hu the Hungarian team fought fiercely against France in the Wiener Stadthalle in Austria’s capital. Austria, Hungary and Switzerland co-hosted the championships. The matches in Hungary were held in Debrecen.

Hungary's women's handball team won bronze — Photo: MTI

The victory did not come out of the blue since the Hungarian team could defeat the French in Toulon on 24 October in a friendly match (30-27). That was the first time after 14 years that the Hungarian team overcame the French. Thankfully, the “new trend” continued today.

Hungary is considered to be a successful nation in women’s handball. We already won the world championships once and the EHF EURO title 14 years ago. Moreover, the Hungarian team bagged altogether 16 medals. Hungary’s team raised the trophy in 2000, joining the club of only five nations that have won the Women’s EHF EURO.

Norway could only defeat Hungary in the semi-final after key goalkeeper Szemerey was sidelined with a minor injury. Thankfully, she could return for today’s match.

Match highlights

The official website of the competition highlighted the following from the bronze match:

“The goalkeepers stood out in the first half in particular, with France’s Laura Glauser and Hungary’s Zsófi Szemerey saving at over 40 per cent in that period; while Glauser came off with 11 saves at 35 per cent for Hatadou Sako at the 50-minute mark, Szemerey counted 13 stops and was key in crunch time.

France opened the first two-goal distance of the game at 5:3 just past the 10-minute mark, before Hungary took the upper hand, always scoring first or leading, from the end of the first quarter of the match until the final buzzer.

With an assist from EHF EURO 2024 All-star Team right back Klujber to a goal from All-star right wing Gyori-Lukács, Hungary created the first three-goal scoreline at 10:7 in the 25th minute, but France came back for a difference of one at half-time.

Hungary again created a temporary three-goal advantage early in the second half and kept the edge as a thrilling match unfolded, but when the final 10 minutes began, it was still anyone’s game at 20:20.

Klujber’s nine goals took her overall tally at the EHF EURO 2024 to 60, seeming to cement her place in first on the top scorer list — but the individual title can only be confirmed beyond doubt after the final between Norway and Denmark.”

Here is a highlights video:

“It’s almost impossible to describe how I feel right now. This is the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. And I’m so proud of our team. We work really hard and today we went and fought from the first second to the last one. I think that the key was our team spirit”, Petra Vámos, Hungary’s centre-back, told the press after the bronze match.

Read also:

Here’s Hungary’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA: can we do it? – read more HERE
Willi Orbán vows to help RB Leipzig achieve ‘full potential’ after below-par start to the season

December 15, 2024

Budapest will become the world’s ballet capital in November

The Hungarian Academy of Dance will hold the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix international ballet competition from 18 to 22 November.

This year the competition for young dancers hosted by the academy, the National Dance Theatre and Budapest Palace of Arts is being held for the second time, Balázs Hankó, the minister for culture and innovation told a press conference on Wednesday.

He said Hungarian higher-education establishments were increasingly recognised internationally and the dance academy encompassed classical ballet as well as contemporary and folk dance, “all that goes together to make us Hungarian”.

Márta Molnár Fodor, the academy’s head, said the university aimed to become Europe’s leading dance training centre by 2030.

So far the competition has received around 150 applications from 14-24-year-olds from more than 20 countries, and dancers can present themselves in three age groups in the categories of classical ballet and modern dance, solo and pas de deux, she added.

Read also:

Spectacular: Claude Monet -The Immersive Experience opens 1st time in Budapest – PHOTOS and more HERE
Woody Allen sent a heartwarming VIDEO message to Hungary and Budapest

October 17, 2024

Incredible! Veszprém wins IHF Men’s Club World Championship – PHOTOS

Veszprém HC, one of the handball world’s best teams, secured its first gold medal at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship, organised in Egypt. Congratulations!

According to ihf.info, this is the first time the Hungarian team won the title. The final was dramatic against the SC Magdeburg, which they won 34:33 in extra time. The Germans came back into the match in the second half of the regular time.

Veszprém lost the final in 2015 against Barcelona. Yesterday, the Hungarian team delivered Magdeburg their first loss in four years, “stopping a 15-match winning streak and denying the German side their fourth consecutive title.”

Here are some photos of the incredible victory:

And a video featuring the highlights of the match:

In the semi-finals, Veszprém defeated Barcelona:

HERE is a detailed coverage of yesterday’s final.

Read also:

Hungary’s biggest sports hall for handball inaugurated in Budapest! – details and photos HERE
Sexiest Hungarian female athletes at the Olympics – PHOTOS and more in THIS article

October 4, 2024

Competition Office launches expedited probes: this affects a lot of companies – UPDATED

Hungary’s Competition Office (GVH) on Thursday announced the launch of expedited probes in three sectors to determine why some public procurement tenders attracted just one bidder.

GVH said the first probe was focused on medical equipment suppliers. The share of single bid contracts for diagnostic imaging equipment, such as MR and CT scanners, was “particularly high” in the period between 2019 and 2023, it added.

UPDATE: Footwear retailer CCC pledges changes to pricing practices after probe

CCC, a footwear and clothing retailer, has agreed to adopt more transparent pricing practices after the launch of a probe by the Competition Office (GVH), the watchdog said on Friday.

GVH said it had launched probes of CCC and two other retailers, Answear and About You, over the display of several different prices on products at the same time, causing confusion among customers over the “discounted” and the “sale” price.

CCC agreed to display only the discounted price and the lowest price in the previous 30 days, as stipulated by decree, resolving the issue and resulting in the close of the probe.

Magyar Eximbank borrows EUR 120m from KDB-led consortium

Magyar Eximbank has borrowed EUR 120m from a consortium led by South Korea’s KDB Bank Europa, the lender said on Thursday. The new financial partners “significantly expand” Magyar Eximbank’s financing base, the bank said. Magyar Eximbank will use the three-year credit for general financing purposes.

Read also:

Booking.com receives record fine in Hungary – read more HERE
Wizz Air receives serious fine in Hungary for unfair commercial practice

September 26, 2024

Balaton Park to host MotoGP, Superbike races in 2025 – PHOTOS

Hungary’s Balaton Park Circuit will host MotoGP and Superbike World Championship races next year, organisers said at the track on Thursday.

Balaton Park will host a round of the Superbike World Championship on July 25-27 and the MotoGP on August 22-24. MotoGP and Superbike are returning to Hungary after a hiatus of more than 30 years as Balaton Park makes upgrades for its “Grade A” licence.

A ten-year race contract was signed, extending from 2025 until 2034, while Balaton Park signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the Hungarian Mobility Development Agency (HUMDA) of Széchenyi István University on promotion and organisation. Balaton Park Circuit is located in Balatonfokajar, near Lake Balaton, under 100km from Budapest.

Moto GP Balaton Park Circuit — Photo: FB/Balaton Circuit

Here’s HUMDA’s relevant statement:

“This is how we prepare for the MotoGP of Hungary, which will return in 2025 after 33 years.

HUMDA Hungarian Mobility Development Agency Zrt. is also developing the Balaton Balaton race track and the surrounding facilities to provide modern infrastructure and high quality services to the MotoGP race.

After many years of work, Hungary will host the MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix in 2025. “The fruits of our many years of work with my colleagues are finally coming to fruition, and we are now on the calendar of one of the most watched sports in the world. It is a testament to the strength of our country that, despite the difficulties, we are here today and can embark on this new path of shared success.” Balázs Weingartner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HUMDA, the national promoter of the competition, said.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, the MotoGP and Superbike rights holder, said of the event: “The track is in a very spectacular location and I’m sure it will be a fantastic destination for spectators to watch live.”

Hungarian MotoGP World Champion Gábor Talmácsi believes that hosting MotoGP and Superbike races in Hungary is not only a great sporting event, but also an opportunity to boost the careers of young riders, bring the sport into focus and give perspective to the next generation.

We are looking forward to next summer!

Read also:

No Formula 1 race in Hungary in 2025? Hungaroring in ruins – PHOTOS and details HERE

September 20, 2024

Hungary takes a gold at WorldSkills

The Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) said on Monday that Hungarians won one gold and two bronze medals at the WorldSkills 2024 championships in Lyon.

Hungary has been a member of WorldSkills International since 2006 and WorldSkills Europe since 2007.

At last year’s European Championships, EuroSkills Gdansk 2023, the Hungarian team achieved a historic success. Tamás Bandúr and Zsolt Koncsik became European Champions in the IT Systems Operator Team Competition, and with the highest score achieved by Hungarian competitors, they also won the title of Best of the Nation. In all the events, the highest scores were awarded to Jos de Goey – Best in Europe.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024

There were 1,383 registered competitors at a competition of professions on September 10-15. General information about WorldSkills Lyon 2024:

71 registered member countries (69 member countries registered competitors, 2 member countries only experts)
Professional competition in 59 official disciplines + 3 demonstration disciplines
Hungarian participation in 21 disciplines with 25 competitors, 21 experts, 3 Team Leaders, 1 official delegate, 1 technical delegate, 1 technical delegate assistant

Olivér Mrakovics won gold in the web technologies category, MKIK said. Zsolt Koncsik was awarded bronze in IT network systems administration, and Kornel Stefan took bronze in IT software solutions for business. Hungarians also took home 18 medallions for excellence.

Hungary takes a gold at WorldSkills 2024. Photo: MTI

Summary of results:

Worldskills Lyon 2024 Hungary results — Source: MKIK

At the WorldSkills General Assembly 2024, Members chose to hold the WorldSkills Competition 2028 in Aichi after a compelling bid from Japan, the official site said.

Hungarian minister: Europe needs turnaround in competitiveness

Next week’s meeting of European Union higher education and research ministers in Budapest will focus on restarting Europe’s competitiveness, the culture and innovation minister said on Saturday.

In a video statement, Balázs Hankó said it was “unacceptable” that central and eastern Europe had one-tenth of the resources for research per inhabitant compared to western Europe. He said it was therefore crucial to bolster relations among European regions and create a level playing field in innovation in the interest of boosting Europe’s competitiveness.

Concerning the two-day meeting of EU higher education and research ministers starting on Monday, Hankó said the recent Draghi report also showed the need for a turnaround in competitiveness, as the EU’s competitiveness has declined by 8 percent over the past decade, and both China and the United States have overtaken Europe.

Ministers will discuss two recommendations aimed at addressing the EU’s competitiveness and strengthening EU cooperation in research and innovation, he said. The meeting will also touch on the plans for a European degree, he added.

Hankó said Hungary recommended that Europe take a look at the Hungarian university and vocational training model centred on cooperation between universities and economic players.

Meanwhile, the minister said Hungarian students and researchers were still waiting for answers as to why they have been excluded from the Erasmus and Horizon programmes. He said international cooperation in these areas was fundamental in the interest of a competitive Europe, noting that this was why Hungary has launched the Pannonia and HU-rizont programmes.

Read also:

September 15, 2024

Hungarian culture minister: ‘Classical culture has a key role’

Classical culture has a key role nowadays, the minister for culture and innovation said, addressing the grand gala closing the 6th Éva Marton International Singing Competition in the Hungarian State Opera on Sunday evening.

Éva Marton International Singing Competition, a celebration of classical culture

Balázs Hankó, who was also the patron of the event, welcomed that “the competition opens up a wealth of career opportunities for the participants”. He thanked participants that they helped preserve cultural values and pass them on from generation to generation.

Commending world-renowned soprano Éva Marton, the event’s namesake, Hanko said that her charisma had left an unforgettable mark on the world’s most prestigious opera stages. “Éva Marton is a shining star not only of Hungary but of the world of opera, she is an inspiration for generations,” the minister said.

Marton welcomed that the competition had maintained its level of prestige since its launch, adding that “in fact, better and better singers appear on stage year by year who set the bar high for the contestants”.

The first prize of the competition went to Korean tenor Park Jihoon, the second prize to Romanian baritone Mihai Damian and the third prize to Chinese mezzo-soprano Wu Hongni. Marton’s personal special prize was awarded to Russian soprano Alexandra Zotova, while the audience prize went to Korean soprano Yeo Yeeun.

:OperaFotoThalerTamas.jpg — Opera at night/ Source: Wikipedia

Read also:

September 9, 2024

17-year-old girl crowned new Hungarian beauty queen – Photos

17-year-old girl is the new Hungarian beauty queen

The World Beauty of the Hungarians was chosen over the weekend to represent Hungary at the Miss Intercontinental pageant.

A 17-year-old high school student from Csengőd, Ramóna Molnár, was crowned this year’s World Beauty Queen of Hungarians (Magyarok Világszépe) at a gala event in Karcag.

World Beauty Queen of Hungarians

The televised selection of the Hungarian beauty queen began early on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm on the large outdoor stage of the Karcag Kincse Arts and Conference Centre. Out of hundreds of applicants, only 14 girls from Transylvania, Transcarpathia, and the Highlands made it to this year’s final.

Emma Uzsák was named the most beautiful lady of the Highlands (Felvidék, Slovakia), Dorina Somogyi the most beautiful lady of Transcarpathia (Kárpátalja, Ukraine), and Kinga Kovács the most beautiful lady of Transylvania (Erdély, Romania).

This year, the age limit for the Hungarian beauty queen contestants was set between 17 and 27 years. The competition focused on the presentation and promotion of traditional Hungarian costumes and the preservation of cultural traditions. The Hungarian beauty queen contestants competed in Kalocsa dresses, bikinis, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns.

The main prize was a Fiat 500 car, and the winner will go on to represent Hungary at the Miss Intercontinental World Contest, according to karpathir.com.

Ramóna Jákob won the title of Top Model of the World Hungary.

Read also:

Miss World Hungary revealed: crowned as the country’s most beautiful woman – Photos
Miss World Hungary: spectacular flash mob by beautiful Hungarian women at Heroes’ Square – VIDEO, PHOTOS

September 3, 2024

Top Hungarian horses that made history in American horse racing

Hungary, animals, horse, Kincsem Hungarian horses

Hungary, known for its rich equestrian tradition, has produced some remarkable horses that have left an indelible mark on American horse racing. These equine stars not only showcased their prowess on the racetrack but also highlighted the excellence of Hungarian breeding programs. This article delves into the top Hungarian horses that have shined in American horse races, tracing their journeys and achievements.

Kincsem: The Undefeated Legend

Kincsem, often referred to as “The Hungarian Wonder,” is arguably the most famous horse ever to come out of Hungary. Foaled in 1874, Kincsem remains one of the greatest racehorses in history, boasting an undefeated record of 54 wins in 54 races. While most of her victories occurred in Europe, her legacy significantly influenced American horse racing.

Kincsem’s bloodline has been integrated into various American Thoroughbred breeding programs, enhancing the genetic pool and producing several successful racehorses.

Her extraordinary speed, stamina, and temperament made her a sought-after broodmare, and her descendants continue to impact the racing world. Kincsem’s legacy is a testament to Hungary’s capability to produce world-class racehorses, and her story remains an inspiration for breeders and racers alike.

Overdose: The Budapest Bullet

Overdose, fondly known as the “Budapest Bullet,” is another Hungarian horse that made headlines in the American racing scene. Foaled in 2005, Overdose quickly rose to prominence with his incredible speed and winning streak. He garnered international attention after winning his first 14 races, many of which were against top competitors in Europe.

Overdose‘s most notable moment came in 2008 when he won the prestigious Group 3 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp in France, setting a course record. Although he faced challenges and injuries later in his career, his impact on the racing community remained profound. American breeders and racing enthusiasts closely followed his career, with many looking to incorporate his speed and agility into their own breeding programs.

Kincsem’s Descendants in American Racing

The influence of Hungarian horses in American racing is not limited to direct exports like Kincsem and Overdose. Several descendants of Hungarian Thoroughbreds have made significant marks on the American racing circuit. Kincsem’s progeny, in particular, have found success in various prestigious races across the United States.

One notable example is the mare Kincsem’s Heir, who achieved several wins in American stakes races. Her bloodline, tracing back to Kincsem, has been a valuable asset for breeders aiming to enhance their stock’s performance and endurance. This lineage has also attracted the attention of those looking to bet on horses, as pedigrees with Hungarian roots often indicate a strong potential for success on the track.

Hungarian Breeding Techniques and Their Influence

Hungarian breeding techniques have played a crucial role in producing horses that excel on the international stage. The meticulous approach to breeding, focusing on combining speed, stamina, and a calm temperament, has proven to be highly effective. Hungarian breeders have long emphasized the importance of selecting the best mares and stallions, ensuring that only the finest traits are passed on to future generations.

Incorporating Hungarian breeding methods has significantly benefited American breeders. By integrating these techniques, American breeding programs have seen improvements in the overall quality and performance of their horses. This cross-cultural exchange has enriched the genetic diversity of American racehorses, leading to more competitive and resilient athletes.

Future Prospects for Hungarian Horses in America

The future looks promising for Hungarian horses in American racing. With advancements in breeding technology and a growing appreciation for international bloodlines, Hungarian Thoroughbreds are likely to continue making waves in the United States. The success of horses like Kincsem and Overdose has paved the way for more Hungarian imports and the use of Hungarian bloodlines in American breeding programs.

Moreover, the global racing community’s increasing interconnectedness means that the exchange of breeding techniques and genetic material will only intensify. American breeders are expected to keep a keen eye on Hungarian horses, recognizing their potential to enhance the competitiveness of the local racing scene.

Conclusion

Hungarian horses have carved a unique niche in American horse racing, bringing with them a legacy of excellence and unparalleled performance. From the legendary Kincsem to the modern-day marvel Overdose, these horses have not only showcased their extraordinary abilities but also influenced the breeding practices and strategies of American racing. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of Hungarian horses and breeding techniques are poised to play an even more significant role, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.

July 22, 2024

Everything you need to know about the Blue Ribbon, Europe’s oldest round lake competition

The Blue Ribbon Regatta, Europe’s largest lake race, will be held again on Lake Balaton for the 56th time this year, on the weekend closest to the July full moon, as tradition dictates.

It is exactly 90 years since the first Blue Ribbon race started at Lake Balaton. The regatta, organised under the banner of the Hungarian Sailing Federation, starts and finishes in Balatonfüred, after circumnavigating the Hungarian Sea, covering more than 155 kilometres. Today, the regatta has become Europe’s most prestigious and oldest round-the-lake competition. The Blue Ribbon’s course is the longest among the main European round-the-lake events and now boasts the largest competing fleet. This year’s competition will take place from 18 to 20 July for the 56th time.

Although the Blue Ribbon has been constantly renewed over the years, it has maintained its traditions, with traditional sailing boats still competing alongside those powered by modern technology. Kékszalag holds the current entry record of 681, making the Balaton regatta one of the biggest celebrations of sailing in Europe.

The early years of the Blue Ribbon Regatta

The first sailing race was held on 27 July 1934, writes Hamu és Gyémánt in a summary article. A year after its foundation, the Hungária Yacht Club announced a historic race to bring together the boats of the Hungarian Sailing Yacht Association for a Balaton-round speed race open to all.

Blue Ribbon, Kékszalag, Lake Balaton — Photo: FB/ Kékszalag

In the past, the fastest ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean were allowed to wear a blue ribbon on their masts, a tradition adopted by sailors in Hungary, hence the name of the race. Initially, the race was held every two years in even-numbered years until 1942, when the Second World War interrupted the tradition. The competition resumed in 1947 after a five-year hiatus, and since 2001, the race has taken place annually.

The original itinerary of the sailing competition was the Balatonfüred-Keszthely-Balatonfüred route, later extended to include Balatonkenese and Siófok. The 155-kilometre round trip was initially not subject to time limits.

56th Blue Ribbon in the middle of the heatwave

The extreme heat is not interfering with the preparations for the Blue Ribbon Festival in 2024, Origo reports. On the contrary, the heat is just another reason for more people to spend the most special week of the summer at Lake Balaton. This year, the Blue Ribbon Festival will start on Saturday 13 July in Balatonfüred. Competitors in the White Ribbon sailing race, which takes place before the main competition, will have to sail around the eastern part of the lake. Many see this race as a prelude to the Blue Ribbon.

The actual Blue Ribbon Regatta starts on Thursday, 18 July at 9 am. After departing from Balatonfüred, sailors will follow the usual route around the lake, passing Balatonkenese, Siófok and Keszthely, and returning to the finish in Balatonfüred within the 48-hour limit. Of course, the fastest boats will not only be competing against each other but will also attempt to beat the previous record of 5 hours 3 minutes and 56 seconds set by Márton Józsa and the crew of MLS Raiffeisen Fifty-Fifty.

Read also:

Great news: Navigation season on Lake Balaton begins with more cruises and discounts – Read here
Happy news: 110-year-old nostalgia boat returns to Lake Balaton – PHOTOS – Read here

July 17, 2024

Amazing news: Hungarian coffee brand wins prestigious award

Herz New York Coffee Roasters, a Hungarian coffee brand, has won the Coffee Design Award, the most prestigious design accolade in the world.

Herz Coffee showcased its high-quality coffees to speciality coffee enthusiasts at the World of Coffee 2024 show in the Roaster Village in Copenhagen from 27 to 29 June 2024. Hungarian coffee brand, Herz Coffee entered the Packaging category with its environmentally friendly, multifunctional metal can packaging and won the award. The Coffee Design Awards, formerly known as the Design Lab Showcase, is a platform for highlighting outstanding design in coffee specialities, Index reports.

The founders of Herz New York Coffee Roasters, Áron and Pali, brought their ideas to life with the help of talented graphic designers at Graphasel Studio. The perfectly coordinated design team, with the active involvement of the owners, created remarkable packaging for the coffee brand, which is backed by a father and son duo.

Photo: FB / HERZ New York Coffee Roasters

They are always seeking the best quality coffee, whether in Budapest, New York or El Salvador. Since 2005, the owners of Herz Coffee have maintained professional, business, and friendly relationships with the owners of coffee plantations in El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica, so it is not surprising that they deliver special and truly first-class coffee to Hungarian coffee machines.

Their packaging idea of the Hungarian coffee brand was made a reality by the talented graphic designers at Graphasel Studio. The perfectly coordinated design team, with the active involvement of the owners, created truly remarkable packaging for the family business.

Winning the coffee industry’s most prestigious design and packaging award is a significant recognition, and for the Hungarian coffee brand, it’s confirmation that they’re on the right track.

Eco-friendly, minimalist packaging was a winner for the coffee brand

Photo: FB / HERZ New York Coffee Roasters

“With our roasted coffees and coffee capsules, we want to offer a real coffee experience to those who love demanding, quality coffee. The coffee packaging is usually black, gold, and red. For marketing reasons, we have chosen orange. This has proved to be the winning choice. Graphasel Studio was a good fit from the start and easy to work with,” says Pali, one of the owners.

“Packaging embodies several aspects: visually appealing, environmentally friendly, and exciting all at the same time. We had an unconcealed desire to create a reusable container that adds value. The design was inspired by a combination of factors, including current trends in eco-friendly packaging, a minimalist aesthetic, and the bright colours often associated with coffee culture,” they added.

Herz Coffee can be found in numerous locations and boasts partners such as Bortársaság, W Budapest Hotel, Dorothea Hotel Budapest, Autograph Collection, Franziska in Buda, Páskom and Bazsalikomos Kert in Kecskemét. The coffee is also available in various locations across the countryside and online.

Read also:

Great news: Hungarian ice cream maker named the world’s best in a new ranking – Read here

Coffee in Budapest among the best in Europe! – Read here

July 7, 2024

Budapest hotel awarded best hotel in 2024 global competition!

Another day, another prestigious award for a Budapest hotel. The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest was recently honoured with the “Green Collection Hotel of the Year” award at the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) annual ceremony in Japan.

Budapest hotel wins prestigious award

budapest hotel Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest — Photo: Facebook/Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Global Hotel Alliance, the largest consortium of independent hotel brands worldwide, hosted its annual awards at the historic Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, turizmus.com reports.

The Green Collection, introduced by GHA last year, includes nearly 200 hotels, resorts, and castles managed by GHA brands, including Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. This collection highlights properties with exceptional sustainability initiatives.

The awards covered various categories, including Hotel of the Year, Most Active Hotel Brand in Cross-Promotion, and Best New Hotel. Competition was intense, as GHA includes over 800 hotels across 100 countries, represented by 40 brands. Winners were selected based on strict criteria from at least four nominees per category.

Chris Hartley, GHA’s CEO, praised the winning hotels and brands for their innovation and dedication, noting their significant contribution to the success of GHA Discovery, the alliance’s loyalty program. Celebrating GHA’s 20th anniversary, he emphasised the growing strength of their global network.

The GHA Discovery loyalty program, revamped in 2021, now boasts 27 million members worldwide, generating USD 2.3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights.

The Kempinski Hotels brand also received recognition for its 20-year membership with GHA and achieved second place for best brand performance.

About the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Budapest, Hungary. Positioned near Erzsébet Square, the Budapest hotel offers easy access to the city’s major attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural landmarks.

The Budapest hotel boasts elegant and contemporary design elements, blending modern sophistication with classic European style. It features 315 rooms and 38 suites, all furnished with high-end amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The accommodations are known for their spaciousness, stylish decor, and panoramic views of the city or the park.

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings. The Budapest hotel houses several acclaimed restaurants and bars:

ÉS Bisztró: A chic bistro offering Hungarian and Viennese dishes.
Nobu Budapest: A branch of the world-famous Nobu restaurant, serving innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
The Living Room: A relaxed yet elegant space for coffee, tea, and pastries.
Blue Fox The Bar: A trendy bar known for its creative cocktails and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Kempinski The Spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a range of treatments inspired by European and Asian traditions. Guests can enjoy the indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna to enhance their wellness experience.

Read also:

July 3, 2024

Miss World Hungary revealed: crowned as the country’s most beautiful woman – Photos

Once again this year, Miss World Hungary has been elected in a spectacular show, with the winner set to represent Hungary at the international competition.

Miss World Hungary 2024

Andrea Katzenbach has been crowned Hungary’s Beauty Queen after the jury’s votes were counted. She will represent Hungary at the international Miss World finals. Jázmin Cseh, 19, from Dunakeszi, was named first runner-up, while Alexandra Horváth, 25, from Mezőörs, was named second runner-up.

Kamilla Kiss won the Miss Charity sub-contest, where candidates had to implement and document a charity action, judged by a vote among themselves. Adele Grósz, who was deemed the most beautiful by the viewers, was awarded the Audience Award.

The 15 Miss World Hungary contestants wore revamped jerseys of the legendary Golden Team during the fitness segment, while the creative segment featured wedding-inspired outfits by Hungarian designers. Richard Demeter showcased his designs in the evening gown parade, and a special edition of Winona Couture’s pieces, decorated with national motifs, was featured in the national segment.

.In the national competition, the future beauty queen had to be hard-working, dedicated, positive and open-minded. She also needed to speak English well, as she will present the charity project she has developed at the international finals.

The pageant’s slogan is “Beauty with a Purpose”. This signifies that one of Miss World Hungary’s primary missions is to focus attention on the importance of social responsibility. For one year, the winner will embark on an important mission: to travel the world, raise awareness of critical human rights and environmental issues, and promote various social causes as a Goodwill Ambassador.

As we reported earlier, 23-year-old Boglárka Hacsi represented Hungary in the Miss World beauty pageant, details and photos HERE.

June 24, 2024

Great news: Hungarian ice cream maker named the world’s best in a new ranking

Hungarian chefs have always performed strongly in various world competitions. Now a Hungarian ice cream maker, Ádám Fazekas, has been named the best ice cream maker of 2024 by the Gelato Festival World Ranking.

The international competition for artisan ice cream makers has been held since 2011, Turizmus reports. Over the last thirteen years, more than eight thousand ice cream creations have been tested, tasted and scored by a jury of hundreds of experts.

Hungarian master gelato maker Ádám Fazekas won the Gelato Festival World Masters in 2021 and came second in the Gelato Festival World Ranking in 2022. Now in 2024, he won the first prize at the same competition.

The organisers of the competition announced the winner at a press conference in Rome. At the press conference, Ádám Fazekas’ raspberry-flavoured pistachio ice cream was presented, but it was not the only creation that won the international ranking. This year, more than 1,200 entries came from all over the world, not only from Europe and North America, but also from Africa and Asia. This year’s runner-up was Giovanni Bonazzi from Parona, Italy, and Savannah G. Lee from San Francisco took third place.

To be included in the international ranking, confectioners had to participate in various events, shows and ice cream festivals for at least two years, for which they received points. The world ranking of ice cream artisans was the result of the collaboration between the Gelato Festival, the Sigep-IEG Expo and the well-known ice cream machine manufacturer Carpigiani. The aim was to discover and promote more than 100,000 artisan ice cream makers in the world.

The Gelato Festival debuted in Florence in 2010, as the world’s first gelato recipe was born in the Tuscan city, where the famous architect Buontalenti invented gelato in 1559. Since then, the event has expanded its range, first to the rest of Italy, then to Europe and, since 2017, to eighty festivals in the United States.

Why is the Hungarian ice cream maker’s method special?

In an interview with RTL, Ádám Fazekas said that his ice cream-making method is special because he works with natural ingredients. Even the milk used for the ice cream is from a local producer, coming straight from a family farm. In 2017, he left the family bakery and opened his first ice cream shop. A friend entered him into his first competition in 2019, which he won.

In addition to the usual vanilla, chocolate, pistachio and a variety of fruit ice creams, his ice cream shop also offers sour pickle, herb feta and avocado lemon ice creams. In Budapest, guests can taste different ice cream creations and cakes at the Fazekas Confectionery on Csömöri Road. They also operate a confectionery in Rétság in Nógrád County.

Read also:

Here are the best pastry shops in Hungary in 2024! – Read here
Unbelievable flavours at Hungarian Gelato Competition 2024: here is the ice cream of the year! – PHOTOS

June 20, 2024

Miss World Hungary: spectacular flash mob by beautiful Hungarian women at Heroes’ Square – VIDEO, PHOTOS

The finals of the Miss World Hungary competition will be held this weekend, and the organisers have drawn attention to the event with a spectacular showcase. On Sunday, the winner will be chosen from 16 ladies, who are currently spending the week before the final at a preparation camp in Siófok, which has just moved from Balatonfüred.

Hungary is taking part in the ongoing European Football Championship, and the organisers have said they will organise a flash mob to cheer on the team, delight tourists and, of course, create publicity for the pageant.

“The first aim of this flash mob is to mobilise as many people as possible, to get to know the girls and to show them a little bit of what they are like. They will perform a very cool dance, which they want to use to represent themselves and the competition,”

said Boglárka Hacsi, last year’s winner of the Miss World Hungary contest.

The spectacular show was watched with interest by passing tourists.

“Hungary is famous for its beautiful women. And here we can see for ourselves,”

said a Mexican man, according to hirado.hu.

Among the spectators at the flash mob were family members, who were able to meet the competitors for the first time since the start of the preparation camp.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miss World Hungary (@missworldhungary)

The finals will be broadcast live on the Duna channel on the evening of 23 June as part of the Miss World Hungary gala show.

Read also:

PHOTOS: This charming Hungarian woman can become the world’s most beautiful, details HERE
A bookworm’s dream: Budapest among best cities for literature lovers!

June 18, 2024

Unbelievable flavours at Hungarian Gelato Competition 2024: here is the ice cream of the year! – PHOTOS

The annual Hungarian Gelato Competition took place once again this year, with pastry chef Nándor Bergmann winning the top prize for his innovative dessert, Pumpkin Seed Sorbet with Red Berries. Awards were given across five different categories in this popular contest.

The competition’s aim

hungarian gelato competition2024 (1) — Photo: Facebook/Magyar Cukrász Ipartestület

According to the press release from the Hungarian Confectioners’ Guild, the 2024 competition aimed to promote traditional, high-quality artisanal gelato. The goal is to encourage Hungarian confectioners to offer superior gelato to their customers, fostering a demand for healthy and high-quality handcrafted products.

As Index writes, this year’s event had a festival atmosphere, held as part of a citywide celebration where participants created their entries in front of an audience. This setup allowed consumers to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate process of gelato-making.

The competition was held in a fully equipped gelato laboratory, utilising three professional freezers, and ran from morning until early afternoon. Following the competition, a series of entertaining and educational presentations related to gelato took place, alongside a professional exhibition that added further variety to the program.

Record number of gelato entries

ice cream of the year 2024 tökmagos sorbet pirosbogyós gyümölcsökkel gelato — Ice Cream of the Year: Pumpkin seed sorbet with red berries by Nándor Bergmann. Photo: Facebook/Magyar Cukrász Ipartestület

In honour of the host city Kecskemét, a new category was introduced: the “Apricot Gelato” category. This aimed to promote the “Kecskemét Hungarian Apricot” and the nationally significant “Kecskemét Apricot Brandy”, both noted in the Hungarian Heritage Repository.

This year saw a record number of entries, with 90 gelatos competing across five categories. Along with award-winning Hungarian gelatos from previous years, a total of 130 varieties were available for tasting throughout the day-long event.

The gelatos were judged by a panel of expert pastry chefs, a public jury, and representatives from professional organizations. The creativity of the contestants was once again boundless. In addition to the intriguingly flavoured apricot gelatos, a wide array of Hungarian and exotic fruits were used, often paired with nuts and herbs.

Pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pecans were popular choices among the nuts. Herbs and spices such as rosemary, bay leaf, juniper berry, pink peppercorn, timut pepper, Sichuan pepper, and even fig leaf made appearances in the inventive flavour combinations.

Prizes, categories and winners

Prizes were awarded in a total of five categories, and four special prizes were also awarded.

“A” category: competition for confectioners, artisan ice cream makers

Gold medalist and winner of the Gelato of the Year trophy: Tökmag sorbet pirosbogyós gyümölcsökkel (Pumpkin seed sorbet with red berries) (Nándor Bergmann: The Little Bergmann Confectionery, Balatonfüred)

“M” – ‘Free’ category: ice cream with no added sugar, gluten, lactose or milk proteins

Gold medalist: Sárgabarack lime maracuja (Apricot lime maracuja) (Éva Heléna Marsa: Vanília & Gelarto, Nagykőrös)

Apricot category

Gold medalist: Mámoros marillen (Intoxicated marillen) (Sándor Márton: Bagaméri Fagylaltozó, Balatonfüred)

“C” category: competition for raw material producers, distributors

Gold medalist: Mézes madzag (Honey trap) (László Nagy: Békás Ltd., Budapest)

Special prizes

Audience award: Kecskeméti sárgabarackos gombóc dióbundában (Kecskemét apricot dumplings in walnut coating) (Norbert Szabados: König-Units Ltd., Üllő)

Read also:

May 27, 2024

Tourists beware: popular Budapest taxi company defrauded customers?

The Economic Competition Authority has initiated an investigation against one of the most popular Budapest taxi service providers due to an alleged violation of the prohibition of unfair commercial practices towards consumers. The competition office objects to several things in the Budapest taxi company’s communication.

The Hungarian Competition Authority is investigating the misleading advertising of this popular Budapest taxi company

According to the Economic Competition Authority, City Taxi, a private taxi company “misled consumers regarding the essential characteristics of the business and its commitments related to the passenger taxi service it provided,” the agency writes in a press release.

The competition supervision procedure was initiated due to two allegations. According to the office, since 10 January 2024, the service provider:

used the adjective “Hungarian” – without additional context – and thus likely mislead consumers regarding the essential characteristics of the business;
used the term “price guarantee” and thus likely gave the wrong impression that the company’s pricing was unique and provided on a voluntary basis, despite the fact that fare prices are based on a legal requirement.

Since the Budapest taxi company carried out the potentially deceptive marketing practice through a national radio station, it was justified for the Competition Authority to take action.

It is important to note that officials highlight that the initiation of the procedure does not mean that City Taxi has committed a violation of the law for certain: the purpose of the procedure is simply to clarify the facts and prove (or disprove) the allegations against the taxi company.

Three months are available to collect evidence and to complete the investigation, which can be extended twice, both times by a maximum of two months, in justified cases.

Attention: taxi hyenas on the streets of Budapest

Earlier this year, we reported on so-called Budapest taxi hyenas in Hungary who use predatory tactics to scam tourists out of their money by billing extremely high amounts for journeys.

We shared the story of an Irish woman who, having not realised that her cabbie had tampered with the taxi meter (adding an extra zero to the final sum so that, for example, a 10 EUR ride costs 100 EUR in the end), had so much money taken from her card that later at the bar she could not pay at all, as her account was completely drained.

At the time, the Budapest police headquarters acknowledged receiving multiple reports of similar scams and assured the public that investigations were underway.

Indeed, just this month we wrote about about Budapest police apprehending three taxi hyenas as part of a routine inspection of city roads, who during the course of the taxi ride manipulated their meters without the passengers’ knowledge, resulting in inflated fares at the end.

Two Budapest taxi hyenas charged HUF 880 (EUR 2.25) per kilometre instead of the standard 440 forints/kilometre (EUR 1.12/kilometre), while one manipulated the meter to read HUF 3,500 and then 5,500 (EUR 8.94 and 14.05) per kilometre during the journey.

Read also:

Uber in Hungary: Secures dispatching license and launches in Budapest with game-changing partnership! – HERE

Taxi fares can rise again in Budapest while ‘banned’ Uber returns – Read about it HERE

April 25, 2024