Hungary will open a specialised tourism bank this year, part of the government’s plans to further boost tourism in the country.
The tourism bank will launch in the second half of 2025, said Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy. It will provide financial support to tourism-related businesses and fund tourism infrastructure projects.
Hungary signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding with Bulgaria last week to promote tourism between the two countries. “The Memorandum focuses on the exchange of information and experience in the field of tourism, including statistics and national strategies,” according to Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism.
The Hungarian Tourism Agency will also begin a support program for three- and four-star hotels in Budapest, with the goal of upgrading hospitality standards and modernising hotel facilities.
Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport plans to begin new direct flights from Hungary to the United States, Canada, the Gulf nations, and Southeast Asia.
The airport is also being renovated to add a new terminal, with the aim of accommodating 20 million passengers each year by 2030. Hungary’s government, in partnership with Vinci Airports, purchased Liszt Ferenc Airport in 2024.
Hungary welcomed 18 million tourists in 2024, up 11% from the previous year. Tourism revenues also reached a new record, with tourist accommodation revenue increasing by 16%.
Budapest saw almost six million foreign tourists last year, up 24% over 2023. Hungary was 150% above the European average increase in nights spent in commercial accommodation.
The country’s tourism sector represents around 13% of its gross domestic product. The Hungarian Tourism Agency hopes to reach 20 million guests annually by 2030, with tourism’s GDP contribution rising to 16%.
Related content
