Guest Numbers, Nights Climb in Hungarian Tourism

The number of guests at commercial and private tourism accommodations in Hungary rose 7.9% to 1,355,000 in November from the same month a year earlier, while the number of guest nights climbed 5.8% to 3,036,000, data released by the Central Statistical Office (KSH) on Thursday show.

The number of domestic guests was flat at 611,000 and the number of foreign visitors climbed 15.3% to 744,000.

The number of guest nights spent by domestic travellers edged down 2.1% to 1,264,000, while guest nights spent by foreign visitors increased 12.2% to 1,772,000.

Visitors from the United Kingdom accounted for the largest number of guest nights: 92,000. Germany spent 89,000 guest nights and visitors from the Czech Republic 87,000. Guest nights spent by travellers from Asia climbed 29.7% to 196,000.

Gross revenue of tourism accommodations rose 9.3% to HUF 86 billion.

A total of 22,142 tourism accommodations hosted guests in November, including 19,895 private and other accommodations.

For the period January-November, the number of guests increased 6.9% to 18,126,000 from the same period a year earlier. The number of domestic travellers was up 2.8% at 9,063,000 and the number of foreign visitors rose 11.4% to 9,063,000.

In a comment on the fresh data, the National Economy Ministry noted that the capital accounted for close to half of guest nights in November and foreign visitors made up around 87% of that turnover. It said revenue of catering establishments climbed almost 11% to HUF 175 billion.

The ministry highlighted the launch of over HUF 1,000 billion of investment at Ferenc Liszt International Airport as well as a subsidized credit scheme for small tourism businesses.