Hungary Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Entry Policy For 87 Countries Including Japan, UK, UAE and Schengen Nations – Travel And Tour World

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Hungary, a gem in Central Europe, offers a rich tapestry of attractions, blending historical grandeur with vibrant cultural experiences. The capital, Budapest, is famed for its majestic Danube River, iconic Parliament Building, and the soothing thermal baths that dot the city. In January 2024 alone, the tourism accommodation sector saw a significant surge, with turnover climbing by 11%.. Business travelers and holiday-goers have found it easy to travel to Hungary with access to 87 visa-free countries.

Beyond Budapest, the allure of Hungary continues with the wine regions of Tokaj, Eger, and Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, perfect for leisurely summers. Hungary’s festivals, like the Sziget Festival, showcase its lively music and arts scene, while traditional Hungarian cuisine, with its hearty flavors and spices, promises a culinary adventure. A visit to Hungary is a dive into a heritage that beautifully marries the old with the new.

Economic projections for 2024 suggest the tourism sector will generate a revenue of US$1,603.00 million, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.21% from 2024 to 2028. That month, Hungarian accommodation establishments welcomed around 2.1 million overnight stays, an 11% increase from the previous year and an 8% rise from 2019. The capital led these figures, recording 915,000 overnight stays, marking a 13% year-on-year increase.

In 2023, Slovakia led the pack in inbound travel to Hungary, with over nine million visits. It was closely followed by Romania and Austria, which saw about eight and six million visits, respectively.

In 2022, Hungary attracted 46.3 million tourists, with Slovakia being the most frequent visitor, accounting for 9.1 million of these. Other leading sources of tourists included Romania with 7.5 million, Austria with 6 million, Serbia & Montenegro with 2.7 million, and Germany with 1.2 million visitors.

Hungary’s tourist hotspots include Budapest, the Central Danube region, Lake Balaton, and Western Transdanubia. These regions are famed not only for their scenic beauty but also for their vibrant wine culture, offering enchanting experiences like wine tastings, horseback riding, and bicycle tours through picturesque rural landscapes.

87 Visa Free Countries Travel to Hungary

Europe

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

North America

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States

South America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Asia

Brunei, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates

Oceania

Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Africa

Mauritius, Seychelles

Hungary, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, stands out with its rich array of tourist spots despite being landlocked.

Here’s a guide to the top destinations you must explore:
Budapest: Hungary’s crown jewel, stands as a top attraction in Central Europe, celebrated for its thermal spas and a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Parliament Building, the Buda Castle Quarter, and the M1 underground.

Lake Balaton: Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and a favored resort destination. It features beaches, water sports, historic towns, and wine regions. Notable spots include the UNESCO-listed Tihany Peninsula and the delightful towns of Keszthely and Siófok.

Danube River: Vital to Hungary, the Danube flows through Budapest and numerous other locales. Experience the city’s iconic sights uniquely by cruising down the Danube or enjoy a scenic hike or bike along its banks.

Eger: This town is not only known for its valiant historical defenses against the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century but also for its vibrant winemaking tradition, notably the renowned Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood).

Szentendre: Just north of Budapest, Szentendre captivates with its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and bustling art galleries, making it a perfect day trip from the capital.

Buda Castle: This expansive 13th-century complex is a cornerstone of Hungarian history, housing the Hungarian National Gallery and the Hungarian National Archives within its walls.

Hungarian Parliament Building: A standout neo-Gothic architectural gem, this iconic building graces the Danube’s banks and welcomes visitors for tours.

Thermal Baths: Indulge in a quintessential Hungarian tradition at the thermal baths, natural hot springs known for their healing properties. Budapest’s famous Széchenyi and Gellért Baths offer a relaxing escape.

LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS TO SPEND YOUR DAYS :

Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa: A prime example of luxury lodging in Budapest. Nestled in a sophisticated setting, this hotel presents guests with elegantly appointed suites and an exclusive spa experience.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest: Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Danube River, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace exemplifies architectural grandeur in its Art Nouveau design. Guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations, dine at world-class restaurants, and unwind in a stunning spa.

Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel: Occupying a historic palace, the Anantara New York Palace offers a regal experience with its lavish decor. The hotel features gourmet dining options and a breathtaking indoor pool, providing an opulent retreat in the bustling city.

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest: Situated in the vibrant heart of Budapest, The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury. The hotel offers meticulously designed rooms, exceptional service, and a diverse array of dining and drinking establishments, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.

Malév Hungarian Airlines, formally known as Magyar Légiközlekedési Vállalat, was the national airline of Hungary, headquartered in Budapest. Established in 1946, Malév played a pivotal role in connecting Hungary with key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airline was a member of the Oneworld airline alliance and was renowned for its customer service and operational efficiency. Its fleet primarily consisted of Boeing and Bombardier aircraft, reflecting a blend of reliability and modernity.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), Hungary’s busiest airfield, lies 16 km southeast of Budapest and handles over 10 million passengers each year. As the primary airport in Hungary, it serves as a central hub for travel in and out of the country.

Hungary’s tourism infrastructure caters to a variety of interests, from history buffs exploring medieval towns to nature lovers exploring the bucolic landscapes of the Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As the country continues to welcome visitors with its blend of tradition and modernity, Hungary’s appeal as a destination of choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences remains strong.