Travel in Hungary

Ongoing positive economic sentiment supports strong growth of travel and tourism in Hungary

Continuing strong growth in the number of Hungarians travelling abroad for leisure in addition to the increasing numbers of inbound tourists in 2019 was linked to positive economic sentiment in the country with local consumers enjoying higher disposable incomes, and the general positive attitude towards global tourism maintaining a willingness to travel. While last minute offers and daily deal sites that enable the immediate booking of both domestic and foreign trips used to dominate sales in Hungary when demand was lower, local consumers are now using “early bird” deals, often choosing and booking holidays during the winter period ready for the summer season, to ensure that they are able travel to their favoured locations to avoid disappointment.

Online travel bookings continue to record strong growth, supported by dominant online travel intermediaries

The booking of travel-related products online continued to gain momentum in Hungary, with accommodation and purchasing airline tickets through online platforms an everyday exercise for seasoned travellers. Online travel intermediaries now dominate sales with local travellers appreciating the various deals and packages that can be found through well-known and trusted companies, particularly amongst families with young children or older travellers who require the security offered by being in a group, especially if they are not comfortable with speaking a foreign language.

Wizz Air strengthens leadership of low cost carriers, expanding number of destinations and collaborating with major airport

Despite the increasing trend amongst Hungarians for planning and booking holidays well in advance before the main peak season arrives, some consumers will remain enthusiastic about booking flights or holidays through low cost carriers, leading to the latter’s ongoing strong growth. This is supported by an increasing number of new destinations available directly from Hungary through leading low cost carriers such as Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Increasing domestic business expenditure supported by SZÉP card

Both domestic leisure and business expenditure continued to record higher current value growth, particularly on lodging and food. Cafeteria programmes are designed to cover domestic business tourism expenses such as the SZÉP card.

Solid growth predicted for travel and tourism for Hungary supported by further investment in infrastructure

A rebounding economy and higher disposable incomes will continue to drive the travel activity of Hungarians over the forecast period with both the number of outbound departures and domestic trips predicted to continue to record solid growth over the forecast period. Inbound arrivals will also record solid growth with funds to improve tourism infrastructure driving qualitative changes in the supply side such as expanding and upgrading leading airports, the railway network and improving a number of outdated hotels to service the growing number of affluent visitors that expect and demand a certain standard and level of service.

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