Record Demand and Strong Market Performance

• Hungary’s tourism continues its outstanding growth. On 2 December, the number of registered guests exceeded 18.2 million, surpassing last year’s total almost a month earlier. Guest volumes are 7% higher than the same period in 2024, while accommodation revenues grew by 12% and food-service turnover by 9%, according to Visit Hungary.
• The results confirm Hungary’s strong appeal: diverse landscapes, rich heritage and high-quality gastronomy continue to attract both domestic and international travellers in equal measure. Budapest accounted for 38% of all guests, while 62% visited rural destinations, with the Balaton region remaining a key draw.
• Tourism remains one of Hungary’s most dynamic sectors. With strong Advent demand and vibrant year-end activity, 2025 is set to become another successful year for the industry.

New Developments Strengthening Accessibility

• Air connectivity expanded significantly:
• Wizz Air achieved record capacity with 59 destinations from Budapest.
• Asiana Airlines will open a direct Seoul–Budapest route in 2026, further strengthening ties with Eastern markets.
• Air China will upgrade its Budapest–Beijing service from four flights weekly to daily from spring, making Budapest the fourth EU capital with a daily direct connection to the Chinese capital. This development reflects the strong tourism ties between the two countries, with Chinese arrivals expected to reach 250,000 visitors and 600,000 guest nights this year.
• The future Ferihegy Airport Rail Link will shorten travel time to the city centre to 20 minutes by 2035.

Green Tourism and Sustainability Milestones

• Sustainability remained a defining theme this season:
• Visit Hungary and Sustainia launched “Travel Lightly – 50 Sustainable Tourism Success Stories in Hungary”, showcasing best practices from wineries to mobility solutions.
• The Federation of Hungarian Event Organisers and Suppliers, together with GSTC, published a new Sustainable Event Management Guide to support eco-friendly MICE operations

New Openings, Renovations & Landmark Projects

• The Leon Hotel & Lounge opened its doors in Budapest.
• A historic Budapest grand café, Múzeum Kávéház és Étterem will reopen next year.
• The Citadella will reopen next spring with renewed public spaces and iconic panoramic views.
• In Gyula, the Lovarda thermal hall at the Gyulai Várfürdő has reopened following extensive renovation.
• The former Stühmer chocolate factory, has been transformed into a concept hotel, YOU Hotel Budapest, adding character to the hospitality landscape.
• Prónay Castle was honoured as a best-practice rural heritage enterprise.
• Hunguest Hotels continues strategic portfolio optimisation, enabling reinvestment into Hungarian properties.
• The Hotel Petit Bois Füred development earned a prestigious real estate development award, highlighting innovation within the hospitality sector. These recognitions reflect the expertise, dedication and creativity driving Hungary’s tourism achievements.

Gastronomy, Culture & Seasonal Attractions

• Budapest’s culinary reputation continues to rise, further enhanced by Gordon Ramsay’s upcoming restaurant: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Dorothea Hotel.
• The Museum of Ethnography earned the “Oscar of museum multimedia”, elevating Hungary’s global cultural profile.
• Budapest’s Christmas markets draw international attention, while guided gastronomy walks offer new urban experiences.
• Debrecen’s Christmas ice rink was named the most beautiful in Europe.

Hungary’s tourism achievements this year exceed even last year’s record levels — a testament to the commitment, creativity and resilience of the professionals shaping our visitor economy. Every result reflects dedicated work across the sector, and the accomplishments celebrated through national awards highlight the strength of our tourism community.

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