1.1 million foreign tourists spent 3.5 million guest nights in Hungary in commercially offered accommodation during the first 6 months of the year. The percentage of the visitors’ number fell by 7 while the number of guest nights decreased by 5 percent. There was a 7 percent decrease in guest nights spent in Budapest, while 10 percent less foreign guest nights were registered at Lake Balaton. Average time of visits was 3.3 nights, a 4 percent decrease in turnover for hotels, 5 percent for bed & breakfast type accommodation and 10 percent in case of camp sites. Tourists, however, spent more money than during the same period last year, therefore, the first six months’ foreign currency revenue reached the last year’s level. A good part of the increase came from five and four star hotels.
Tourism generated an income of 1 billion and 91 million dollars during the first half of the year, representing a 1 percent increase. Eventually a 620 million dollar positive balance was a surplus of 90 million dollars compared to the previous year.
Domestic tourism increased by 4 percent: 1.2 million Hungarians spent 2.7 million guest nights in commercially offered accommodation during the six month period. The total accommodation generated revenue amounts to 29.7 billion forints, i.e. 14 percent more than last year. 60 percent of this revenue was generated in Budapest.
The Kosovo crisis and the bombing sorties primarily pulled down the number of European tourists, but did not effect for instance the number of Japanese visitors. Last year’s results are expected to be somewhat superseded in tourism, aided by significant international interest in the solar eclipse and the Formula One Grand Prix. The tourism surplus may even add 200 to 300 million dollars to last year’s 1.53 billion dollar income. –
