Tokaj-Hegyalja, the Most Sustainable Destination

The northeastern region Tokaj-Hegyalja has been named the most sustainable destination in Hungary, according to a survey conducted by Innotime Hungary, with Hévíz coming second, Esztergom and the Danube Bend in third, Lake Balaton in fourth and Eger in fifth.

According to the analysis sent to MTI by the company, which also provides tourism and economic development strategies and market research, the primary survey of 1,007 respondents covered the issue of individual and community responsibility, also examining why a region is currently considered sustainable in Hungary and which regions are considered sustainable destinations by respondents.

Almost 40% of respondents believe that making tourist areas more sustainable is important, but a quarter of them do not have enough information to make a statement on the issue, which shows that much more intensive communication on the subject is needed, they said. According to respondents, the development of sustainable tourism is primarily the responsibility of tourism operators as individuals and of local communities.

54% of respondents would only be open to choosing sustainable destinations if the area offered the same things they are used to when travelling, and only 15% would be willing to change their travel habits to achieve sustainability. For 45% of respondents, whether a destination conveys sustainability values, such as a focus on empowering the local community or even reducing negative environmental impacts, is not a key factor in planning a holiday or vacation, although it is hopeful that a further 29% would prefer such destinations if they are affordable, the survey noted.

Respondents primarily see areas linked to nature walks (67%) and rural areas (54%) that are financially accessible (34%) as sustainable destinations.